This is an essay written by Alvin A. McEwen, author of Holly Bulies and Headless Monsters
By all means, use this page to educate yourselves and others.
Top six religious right (anti-gay industry) distortion techniques
1. Using nonrepresentative or out-of-date studies to make generalizations, or distorting legitimate studies to give misleading conclusions
Example 1 - Anti-gay industry talking point - Same sex marriage and gay adoption are bad ideas because research shows that the best places to raise children are in homes with a mother and a father.
The truth - The research only looked at heterosexual two-parent households as opposed to single parent heterosexual households. Same-sex households were never included.
Point of fact - The following researchers, physicians, and Ph.D.s have complained about how the anti-gay industry has misused their work (see Time Line below) - A. Nicholas Groth, the six researchers of a Canadian study (Robert S. Hogg, Stefan A. Strathdee, Kevin J.P. Craib, Michael V. Shaughnessy, Julio Montaner, and Martin T. Schehter), Dr. Robert Garofalo, Lisa Waldner, Patrick Letellier, Dr. Kyle Pruett, Dr. Joanne Hall, Dr. Elizabeth Saewyc, Carol Gilligan, Dr. Robert Spitzer, Dr. Francis Collins, Gary Remafedi, Professor Michael King, Professor Lisa Diamond, and the authors of the book Unequal Opportunity: Health Disparities Affecting Gay and Bisexual Men in the United States (Professors Richard J. Wolitski, Ron Stall, and Ronald O. Valdiserri).
2. Repetition - Despite the fact that several physicians and researchers complain about the distortion of their work by the anti-gay industry, corrections are usually not made.
3. Conspiracy Theory - Claiming that gays and lesbians are consistently plotting to "erode traditional values"
Example - “The agenda of homosexual activists is basically to change America from what they perceive as looking down on homosexual behavior, to the affirmation of and societal acceptance of homosexual behavior. It is an agenda that they basically set in the late 1980s, in a book called After the Ball, where they laid out a six-point plan for how they could transform the beliefs of ordinary Americans with regard to homosexual behavior—in a decade-long time frame." - Craig Osten, Q&A: The Homosexual Agenda, Focus on the Family, July 25, 2003
4. Dire Consequences - Claiming that a pro-gay law or ordinance will lead to negative consequences without proof that the consequences will take place:
Example 1 - “Imagine, if you will, a 280 lb linebacker who likes to wear a dress and high heels and lipstick, you know comes to church wanting a job at the front desk as a receptionist and they turn him away because they don’t feel that that represents their values or the image that they’re trying to hold at that church, under ENDA they could be held accountable for
discrimination against that individual.” - Matt Barber, Concerned Women for America, 2007
Example 2 - “H.R. 254 elevates one group of Americans above others, creating a special class of victims. All things being equal, it means that if a 5-foot-2-inch grandmother is violently attacked on the street, she is less worthy of justice than the 6-foot-4-inch homosexual man who is attacked by the same assailant.” - Matt Barber, Concerned Women for America, 2007
5. Phony Experts - Creating their own "experts" on the gay and lesbian community.
6. Dehumanizing Semantics - Consistently using language (i.e. demonstrative verbs and adjectives) in their talking points, sound bites, and press releases to make gays and lesbians seem like impersonal, threatening outsiders
Example 1 - “But unfortunately, the evangelist observes, many Christians have been bullied into submission on the aggressive homosexual agenda in public schools.”—Evangelist Proposes to Combat Homosexual Agenda in Public Education, Agape Press, May 11, 2005
Example 2 - “Elsewhere in the battle against the homosexual agenda, the Broward County School Board in Florida has voted to allow a pro- homosexual group to indoctrinate its teachers on tolerance.”— Children Adopted by Homosexuals Suffer, Family Advocate Says, Agape Press, April 25, 2002
Example 3 - “The ACLU continues to use a law license to bully school districts and harass parents in order to brainwash their kids abut the ‘normalcy’ of homosexuality.”—Jan LaRue, ACLU Seeks Mandatory Homosexual Sensitivity Training, Concerned Women for America press release, July 14, 2005
Top lies told about the lgbt community
1. Homosexuality is a lifestyle more harmful than cigarette smoking.
2. Gay men have a short life span.
3. The gay and lesbian community have a high rate of domestic violence.
4. Unhealthy behaviors (i.e. substance abuse, promiscuous sexual behavior) is indicative of the gay or lesbian orientation.
5. Gay men molest children at a high rate.
6. Gays and lesbians want to silence Christians.
7. Gays and lesbians recruit people, particularly children, to their "lifestyle."
8. Gays and lesbians are following a six-point plan to take over America.
9. Any judge who rules in favor of the gay and lesbian community in a case is an "activist judge."
10. Anal sex is "homosexual behavior."
11. Robert Spitzer’s study confirms that gays and lesbians can change their orientation.
12. Gays and lesbians want to force acceptance.
13. Gay bowel syndrome is a legitimate medical term.
14. A man who molests a boy or a woman who molests a girl is automatically homosexual.
15. A convenience sample or out-of-date study can be used to generalize about an entire community.
16. The average gay man has many sexual partners.
17. Laws created to protect transgenders from discrimination will make it easier for sexual predators to come into womens' bathrooms and locker rooms.
Information taken from Holy Bullies and Headless Monsters: Exposing the Lies of the Anti-Gay Industry.
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Time Line of the Anti-Gay Industry's War on LGBT rights
One of the greatest blessings from God is the ability to follow a paper trail.
1977
Anita Bryant successfully leads a campaign to overturn a pro-gay ordinance in Dade County, FL. Using a simplistic, rudimentary view of Biblical scripture against homosexuality and fear stories of gay men molesting children, Bryant campaigned heavily to repeal the ordinance. She named her campaign “Save Our Children” and based it on the notion that “homosexuals cannot reproduce—so they must recruit . . . the youth of America.” Helping Bryant in her crusade is the Rev. Jerry Falwell.
John Birch Society trainer and "family activist" Tim LaHaye publishes The Unhappy Gays (later retitled What Everyone Should Know About Homosexuality). Calling gay people "militant, organized" and "vile," LaHaye anticipates anti-gay arguments to come. His wife, Beverly, exceeds him in audacity and lies when she later helps to found Concerned Women for America.
California State Sen. John Briggs floats a ballot initiative allowing local school boards to ban gay teachers. "One third of San Francisco teachers are homosexual," Briggs says. "I assume most of them are seducing young boys in toilets." The initiative is defeated, but the campaign inspires anti-gay crusaders like the Rev. Lou Sheldon, who will found the Traditional Values Coalition in 1981.
1979
Alan Bell and Martin Weinberg publishes Homosexualities: A Study of Diversity Among Men and Women. This was a study looking at gay men in the city of San Francisco in the early 1970s. Over 30 years later, the anti-gay industry cites the book as a correct representation of the sexual habits of the entire gay community. They do this despite the fact that Bell and Weinberg clearly said - “. . . given the variety of circumstances which discourage homosexuals from participating in research studies, it is unlikely that any investigator will ever be in a position to say that this or that is true of a given percentage of all homosexuals.”
The Gay Report is published. This book, looking at the sex habits of gays and lesbians, was based on 1,900 sex survey responses from gay men; 1,000 from lesbians; and 2,500 responses from a gay magazine questionnaire. The authors even say, “We agreed at the outset not to pretend that these percentages represented the practices and views of all gay people—they reflected only our respondents.” However, just like Homosexualities (see above entry), The Gay Report will be used to generalize about the sexual habits of all lgbts even 30 years after its publishing.
1981
Moral Majority allies in Congress propose the Family Protection Act, which would bar giving federal funds to "any organization that suggests that homosexuality can be an acceptable alternative lifestyle." Despite President Reagan's endorsement, the bill is defeated.
The Council for National Policy, a highly secretive club of America's most powerful far-right religious activists, begins meeting quarterly at undisclosed locations. Among the members will be R.J. Rushdoony, who calls for death penalty for homosexuals, and anti-gay crusaders James Dobson, Beverly and Tim LaHaye, Jerry Falwell, Tony Perkins and Phyllis Schlafly. George W. Bush will meet with the Council during his first campaign for president.
1982
Researcher Paul Cameron tells the audience of the University of Nebraska Lutheran Church that a four-year-old boy was recently castrated due to a sexual attack by a gay man. Cameron told this story as part of an attempt to defeat an anti-discrimination law in Lincoln, NB. Police investigated and discovered the story to be false. But the anti-discrimination law was defeated. Encouraged by that victory, Cameron publishes several pamphlets claiming amongst other things, that gay men eat feces, insert gerbils up their rectums, have a short life span, molest children at a high rate and are basically violent and sociopathic. He also travels across the country as an "expert" on homosexuality.
Six researchers complain that Paul Cameron distorts their work to prove negative theories about gay men. The American Psychological Association launches an investigation that looks at Cameron's methods.
1983
Paul Cameron completes the 1983 ISIS Survey. The survey contained many errors. Of over 4,000 people asked questions regarding sexual behavior, only 65 claimed to be gay or lesbian. Also, even before the study was completed, Cameron had publicly said it will prove negatives about gays and lesbians. This survey forms the basis of Cameron's future "studies" and pamphlets regarding the gay and lesbian community.
The American Psychological Assocation dismisses Paul Cameron for not cooperating with their investigation into alleged distortion of his colleagues' work.
1984
The Male Couple: How Relationships Develop is published. Authors David McWhirter and Andrew Mattison clearly say - “We always have been very careful to explain that the very nature of our research sample, its size (156 couples), its narrow geographic location, and the natural selectiveness of the participants prevents the findings from being applicable and generalizable to the entire gay male community.”However, over 30 years later, anti-gay industry groups (such as the Family Research Council) cites the book as the best representation of gay relationships.
A. Nicholas Groth, director of the Sex Offender Program at the Connecticut Department of Corrections, complained to the Nebraska Board of Examiners of Psychologists about Paul Cameron’s usage of his work to make the claim that gays molest children at a high rate.
The Nebraska Psychological Association passes a resolution that dissociates itself from Paul Cameron and his work.
1985
The Midwest Sociological Society censures Paul Cameron. Also, the American Sociological Association and the Society for the Study of Social Problems both pass resolutions against him. Despite all of these rebukes (and future others), the anti-gay industry will freely cite Paul Cameron and his "studies" in efforts to turn back pro-gay legislation.
Former California Congressman William Dannemeyer hires Paul Cameron to advise him on issues regarding gays and AIDS.
1986
NEW ENTRY - A man named Dick Hafer publishes Homosexuality: A Legitimate Alternate Deathstyle, an offensive comic book that liberally cites Paul Cameron’s studies as well as other inaccuracies about gay men. The book is made more offensive by the nasty caricatures Hafer creates to represent gay men.
Colorado's Summit Ministries publishes Special Report: AIDS. Co-authored by Paul Cameron, the pamphlet blames gay men for the epidemic and calls for a national crackdown on homosexuals.
1987
After the Ball: How America Will Conquer Its Fear and Loathing of Gays in the 90’s is published. Authors Marshall Kirk and Erastes Pill wrote the book to give their opinion of how the lgbt community can gain equality. Despite the fact that many gays and lesbians have never heard of this book, its name will come up repeatedly in anti-gay industry books and press releases and will be cited by anti-gay industry spokespeople as proof that lgbts are conspiring to overturn "traditional values."
Boston's Gay Community News publishes a satirical column by someone using the psuedonym of Michael Swift. The column paints a picture of gays taking over the world and causing all sorts of havoc. Despite the fact that the piece is satirical (this is said at the beginning of the column), anti-gay industry spokespeople will repeatedly cite it as proof of a gay conspiracy. Some anti-gay industry press releases even omit the beginning of the column that plainly describes it as a satire.
1988
After a ferocious campaign by the fundamentalist Oregon Citizens Alliance (OCA), Oregon voters overturn their governor's executive order banning anti-gay discrimination in state hiring. Led by anti-gay crusader Lon Mabon, OCA claims "promiscuous sodomite activists" have called for "the closing of all churches that oppose them and the total destruction of the family."
1989
U.S. Rep. William Dannemeyer (R-Calif.) publishes a landmark anti-gay tome, Shadow in the Land: Homosexuality in America. Calling lesbians and gay men "the ultimate enemy," Dannemeyer accuses straight people of "surrendering to this growing army without a shot," and predicts gay rights will "plunge our people, and indeed the entire West, into a dark night of the soul that could last hundreds of years."
1991
A Colorado amendment is created to ban gay-rights ordinances. Backers of this amendment, Amendment 2, uses Paul Cameron’s data in their position statement.
A lawsuit is lodged against the Kinsey Institute by "researcher" Judith Reisman for defamation of character and slander. In a 1990 book, Kinsey, Sex, and Fraud, Reisman claimed that much of Alfred Kinsey's research into sexual issues had to do with the sexual exploitation of children. The Institute is not only able to refute Reisman's claims, but her defamation lawsuit is also dismissed in 1994. Reisman becomes a cause celebre to several anti-gay industry groups despite the fact that many of them use Kinsey Institute's research to demonize lgbts. (see 1979 entry on Homosexualities. The book was produced by the Kinsey Institute.)
1992
During the anti-gay referendum campaign in Colorado, Paul Cameron was the “chief scientific consultant” for organizations backing the anti-gay ordinance.
A week before the Colorado vote, over 100,000 copies of one of Paul Cameron's pamphlets, What Homosexuals Do, is sent across the state. The amendment passes but is overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1996.
1993
During the "gays in the military" debate, the video The Gay Agenda is given to members of Congress by the anti-gay industry. Cameron's phony statistics about the gay community is often cited in this video. General Carl Mundy, chief of the U.S. Marine Corps, showed a copy to members of the Pentagon, including the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Senator Sam Nunn, chairman of the Armed Services Committee.
1994
When gays and lesbians challenged the validity of Colorado's ordinance, state Attorney General Gail Norton paid Paul Cameron $15,649 for his research and wanted to use him as an “expert witness.” When informed of his reputation, Norton used neither him nor his research.
Joanne Hall, Ph.D. of the University of Tennessee’s College of Nursing publishes a study looking at the patterns of behavior for 35 lesbians who had self-identified alcohol problems. Her study is later used by various anti-gay industry groups to claim that lesbians in general have a problem with alcohol abuse and that gay adoption is not a good idea. Hall later writes a letter of complaint to one of the groups distorting her study (the Family Research Council). Her complaint is ignored.
1996
The Board of Directors of the Canadian Psychological Association approves a position statement disassociating the organization from Paul Cameron's work on sexuality, stating that he had "consistently misinterpreted and misrepresented research on sexuality, homosexuality, and lesbianism"
1997
Former Education Secretary William Bennett uses Paul Cameron’s study on the life span of gay men during an appearance on ABC’s This Week.
1998
William Bennett admits in an issue of The New Republic that he was incorrect in citing Paul Cameron's study, saying, “Given what I now know, I believe there are flaws with Paul Cameron’s study. One cannot extrapolate from his methodology and say that the average male homosexual life span is 43 years.”
15 anti-gay industry group band together in a huge media campaign claiming that people can "seek freedom from homosexuality." The campaign includes television commercials and full page ads in major newspapers (the Washington Post, New York Times, and USA Today). The campaign is a huge failure mostly because the homophobic murder of Matthew Shepard caused the groups to lose credibility when they claimed their campaign was about "hope, not hatred." Also, the campaign's head, Janet Folger, admits publicly that she supports gays being arrested via the sodomy laws.
Pediatrician Robert Garafalo complains that the anti-gay industry distorted his study regarding at-risk behavior amongst gay youth. He said the groups omitted the part of his study that said the at-risk behavior is the result of a homophobic society.
Assistant Professor of Sociology Lisa Waldner tells Frank Rich of the New York Times that the anti-gay industry is distorting a study she wrote while in 1992 in order to claim that lesbians relationships have a high rate of domestic violence.
2000
NEW ENTRY - Massachusetts anti-gay group Mass Resistance illegally tapes a state conference, "Teach-Out," that was sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Education, the Governor’s Commission on Gay and Lesbian Youth, and the GLSEN (Gay Straight Lesbian Education Network). This conference was held at Tufts University. Students were allowed to ask questions about sex in a safe environment. One student asked what fisting was, and was answered with an explanation. This led the incident to be dubbed "Fistgate" by Mass Resistance when the group distributed the tape. As a result of the outcry that was generated when parents heard tapes of the event, Margot Abels, a state employee who participated in the discussion, and two other state employees were fired. Abels later sued the Massachusetts Department of Education and members of Mass Resistance for "violating her civil rights and the state's anti-wiretapping law." In 2001, she was not only reinstated but was also given back pay via arbitration. This incident would later haunt GLSEN founder Kevin Jennings in 2009 as various religious right groups and figures would use it in an attempt to get him dismissed as U.S. Assistant Deputy Secretary in the Office of Safe Schools.
Ex-gay spokesperson John Paulk is caught inside of a gay bar. In 1998, Paulk was a part of the massive media campaign conducted by anti-gay industry groups claiming that people can be "freed from homosexuality." This campaign included him being featured on the cover of Newsweek magazine and an appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show. Initially, Paulk claimed that he was just using the bathroom. However, reports said he was in the bar for over an hour. Paulk is chaperoned on future speaking engagements and is also removed from the Board Chair position of Exodus International (an ex-gay group). He remained on the board under probationary status only and was not allowed to attend meetings or vote. In 2003, Paulk leaves Exodus International and becomes a chef.
2001
Six researchers (Robert S Hogg, Stefan A Strathdee, Kevin JP Craib, Michael V. O’ Shaughnessy, Julio Montaner, and Martin T Schechter) write a letter to the editor to the International Journal of Epidemiology accusing the anti-gay industry of distorting a study they published in 1997 in order to claim that gay men have a short life span. They said they were speaking of a hypothetical outcome that would take place if there were not better practices regarding safe sex in that particular area. They also said that conditions have improved; therefore the outcome they predicted (i.e. gay men not reaching their sixty-fifth birthday) had been averted.
Maria Xiridou of the Amsterdam Municipal Health Service completes a study which will be published in 2003. The study's objective was “to access the relative contribution of steady and casual partnerships to the incidence of HIV infection among homosexual men in Amsterdam and to determine the effect of increasing sexually risky behaviours among both types of partnerships in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).” Despite the fact that this study was situated in a foreign city, only looked at casual relationships, was completed before same-sex marriage was legalized in the Netherlands, had nothing to do with lesbian relationships or children in same-sex households, it will be cited by the anti-gay industry to speak against gay relationships, same-sex marriage, lesbian relationships, gay adoption, etc. etc.
Patrick Letellier complains that Gary Glenn of the American Family Association cherry picked passages from his book (Men Who Beat the Men Who Love Them) in order to assert that domestic violence is high in gay relationships. Years after this, the book continues to be cited by the anti-gay industry in the same way Glenn cited it.
Robert Spitzer publishes a study that says a small number of people can change their sexual orientation. The anti-gay industry cites the study as proof that homosexuality is a choice. Spitzer complains as to how his work was being used, even publishing a piece in the Wall Street Journal complaining about how his work was being distorted.
Minister Jerry Falwell makes the following claim about the 911 attacks - "I really believe that the pagans, and the abortionists, and the feminists, and the gays and the lesbians who are actively trying to make that an alternative lifestyle, the ACLU, People For the American Way, all of them who have tried to secularize America. I point the finger in their face and say 'you helped this happen.'" He later tries to retract the statement after intense media scrutiny.
2002
A. Nicholas Groth writes a letter to the Family Research Council claiming that the group distorted his work in a study to prove that gays molest children at a high level. Groth, in 1983, complained that Paul Cameron had done the same thing. The study published by the Family Research Council is almost similar to the one published by Cameron.
Several times during the year, American Family Association's Agape Press (now One News Now) cites Paul Cameron as a "family advocate." The publication does not say one word about his sordid history.
2003
By a vote of 6-3, the U.S. Supreme Court rules against sodomy laws in the case of Lawrence vs. Texas. Members of the anti-gay industry accuse the court of bias and the phrase "activist judges" begins a long run into the public consciousness. In demonizing the court, the anti-gay industry skips over several truths including the fact that four of the judges ruling against the sodomy laws were appointed by Republican presidents.
Ex-gay spokesperson Michael Johnston is caught having drug fueled orgies in hotels with men and potentially infecting them with HIV. Johnston was the founder of Kerusso Ministries and the founder of National Coming out of Homosexuality Day. In 1998, he took part in the massive media campaign claiming people can be "freed from homosexuality." He even filmed a commercial with his mother. After the discovery, Kerusso Ministries closes. Johnston is yet to face to legal consequences for his actions.
2004
Stanley Kurtz of the Hoover Institute (a right-wing think tank) publishes a theory that says when gay marriage was introduced in the Netherlands, it destroyed marriage in general by leading to more out-of-wedlock births. However, when later question by Democratic member of the House Judiciary Committee, Kurtz admitted he had no proof that same-sex marriage led to out of wedlock births in the Netherlands. He said he was merely making a systematic argument. In other words, he took two events and said that one (same-sex marriage) led to the other (out of wedlock births) without providing any evidence of such. The anti-gay industry and their allies continue to cite Kurtz's theory while omitting what he said in the testimony in front of Congress.
Repent America (a religious conservative group) are arrested for a number of charges due to their activity at a gay pride festival in Philadelphia, PA. Repent America members claim that they were merely handing out pamphlets and preaching the Gospel. This claim is echoed by various anti-gay industry groups and spokespersons. However, the truth is more complicated. Repent America members began shouting in order to drown out events happening on stage at the events. When the police attempted to get them to move to an area at the edge of the festival, they not only went deeper into the crowd of gays but also began using a bullhorn to condemn festival-goers. They also “insulted individual attendees, blocked access to vendors, and disobeyed direct orders from the police, who were trying to preserve order and keep the peace.” Nevertheless, the anti-gay industry omitted these details as they attempted to use the Repent America situation to kill hate crimes legislation.
President George Bush benefits greatly from state constitutional amendments to bar same-sex marriage when he gets re-elected. The amendment votes were key to getting so-called "value voters" out to the polls where they also vote to re-elect Bush.
2005
In Arkansas, Pulaski County Circuit Judge Timothy White rules that the state does not have justifiable grounds to keep gays from adopting children. The Arkansas court specifically calls out the state's "expert witness," George A. Rekers, saying that Dr. Rekers’ willingness to prioritize his personal beliefs over his functions as an expert provider of fact rendered his testimony extremely suspect and little, if any, assistance to the court and Dr. Rekers' personal agenda caused him to have inconsistent testimony on several issues. Rekers has been known to freely cite Paul Cameronesque distortions about the gay community in his "research." Strangely enough, Rekers is called by the state of Florida three years later to defend its ban on gay adoption. The judge in the case, Cindy Lederman, comes to the same conclusion as did Judge White regarding Rekers' testimony.
Paul Cameron is an expert witness in front of the Virginia legislature in an attempt to make sure a bill keeping gays from adopting children was passed. His appearance has the opposite effect because members of the legislature researched his background. They ask him pointed questions about his history and even gets him to admit that he was dismissed from the American Psychological Association.
Paul Cameron announces the completion of another study that supposedly proves homosexuality to be more dangerous than cigarette smoking and being overweight. What he did was take over 10,000 obituaries from the gay newspaper the Washington Blade and compare them to a Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report entitled AIDS Cases in Adolescents and Adults, by Age—United States, 1994-2000. Ronald Valdiserri, deputy director of the CDC’s National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention, said Cameron's study is wrong because he uses bad methodology. Several "conservative Christian" webpages and news services repeats Cameron's press release almost word for word while omitting the CDC's rebuke of his study.
Referring to Paul Cameron's study, Rev. Bill Banuchi, head of the New York chapter of the Christian Coalition, says gays should wear warning labels.
Texas Governor Rick Perry signs a bill against same-sex marriage. Accompanying him is televangelist and "Values Voter" activist Rod Parsley. In talking to the press, Parsley cites Paul Cameron's discredited gay life span study.
Rod Parsley again cites the study in an interview with a so-called "pro-family" publication.
The Southern Baptist Convention looks at a resolution issued by evangelist Voddie Baucham, Jr. calling for churches to “investigate whether their local school district has a ‘gay/straight’ alliance or other homosexual clubs.” The resolution also tells churches to “encourage parents’ removal of their children from schools that have curricula or programs that treat homosexuality as an acceptable lifestyle.” Part of this resolution refers to Paul Cameron’s recently published study: “Whereas, there is evidence that the homosexual lifestyle reduces life expectancy more than smoking . . .”
David Parker is arrested for trespassing at his son's school, Joseph Estabrook Elementary, in Massachusetts. Parker claims that he refused to leave a meeting unless he got assurances that his son would be opted out of discussions involving homosexuality. School officials claimed they told Parker that homosexuality was not a part of his child's curriculum but since his classmates had gay parents, they could not control all discussions regarding homosexuality (i.e. they could not control what students talked about amongst themselves). Parker subsequently sued the school but the lawsuit was dismissed.
Traditional Values Coalition spokesperson Daniella Lopez tells the Boston Globe that the organization has removed Paul Cameron's research from its webpage. She says the research had been placed there by mistake. However, even after this admission, the Traditional Values Coalition continues to sell the book, The Agenda. In The Agenda, Sheldon makes several references to Cameron and his work.
2006
Anti-gay activist and Renew America columnist Guy Adams says the following outrageous statement - “The newest thing in Chicago, it’s becoming a trend, and you’re gonna find this hard to believe . . . sex with infants . . . It’s not enough that they have . . . you know when you engage in perversion, and homosexuality is perversion, we don’t hate the gays mind you, we don’t hate them, we hate what they’re doing . . . pretty soon that perversion is like addiction, it’s not enough, so you need to graduate to something else. You need to move on. So now they’re having sex with animals, a small group that’s getting bigger, sex with infants, sex in the street in Chicago out in the open, it’s just getting more and more perverted."
Adams admits that he has no proof of his claims and is later forced to retract his comments.
David Parker's son gets into a fight at his school. Parker and various anti-gay industry groups and blogs claim that his son was beaten up by a group of students who was angry at Parker's lawsuit against the school regarding gays issues. An investigation proves that the fight had nothing to do with Parker's lawsuit but over a cafeteria seat between Parker's son and the child's friend. Not only was Parker was aware of the incident before it became posted on the blogs and webpages, but even after the truth was discovered, very few blogs and webpages corrected their version of the events.
Lou Sheldon of the Traditional Values Coalition drops all pretenses of "loving the sinner but hating the sin" during a conference of so-called "values voters." When asked what should "Christians" refer to lgbts as, Sheldon is said to have shouted: “SODOMITES – and perverted ones!” He reportedly receives thunderous applause.
At the same conference, activist Peter LaBarbera, founder of Americans for Truth, (who makes a name for himself by attending subcultural functions such as leather conventions and ignoring the actions of heterosexuals in attendance while focusing on gay men) tells attendees that they need to focus on "discussing the ‘grossness’ of homosexual behavior and begin pushing for legislation declaring such behavior a social disorder. "
Dr. Elizabeth Saewyc of the University of British Columbia complains that Focus on the Family distorted her study on lesbian teen suicide.
Dr. Kyle Pruett, a clinical professor of psychiatry in the Yale Child Study Center and School of Nursing accuses Focus on the Family head James Dobson of distorting his work.
New York University educational psychologist Carol Gilligan, Ph.D. writes Focus on the Family head James Dobson a blistering letter accusing him of distorting her work.
Robert Spitzer gives an interview with the Los Angeles Times in which he says he now believes that some of those he interviewed for his 2001 study may have been either lying to him or themselves.
Robert Spitzer teams up with Dr. Judith Stacey, Dr. Elizabeth Saewyc and Soulforce, a group that combats “spiritual violence” against the gay and lesbian community, in a press release demanding that Focus on the Family stop distorting their research.
2007
The American Family Association continues to sell the video "It's Not Gay," featuring the testimony of Michael Johnston claiming to be "freed from homosexuality." Johnston was discovered in 2003 to be having drug fueled homosexual orgies, potentially infecting his partners with HIV.
Deerfield High School in Illinois is accused of making students sign a "confidentiality agreement" regarding a panel of homosexuality. The claim is a false. As it turns out, the panel discussion is a part of a larger orientation program geared to helping students adjust to high school. Parents were able to opt their children out of the program. And the confidentiality agreement was a part of a list of rules that students agreed to, including not discussing issues with other students who did not participate in the program and being courteous to each other's opinion. The agreement said nothing about keeping details from parents.
The Traditional Values Coalition passes out a flyer featuring a "wanted" poster of Jesus. The group claims that Jesus would be arrested under hate crimes legislation. This is a lie for several reasons, including the fact that Jesus never said a word about lgbts.
The Traditional Values Coalition passes out another flyer claiming (with ugly, rude images) that the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) will lead to flamboyant "she-males" (their words) demanding to be employed at Christian daycare centers.
The Traditional Values Coalition is caught distorting a transcript of a Congressional hearing regarding hate crimes legislation. The organization tries to claim that hate crimes legislation will lead to pastors being arrested for preaching against homosexuality. In a press release sent to its members, the group omitted a crucial part of the transcript in order to misinterpret what was said.
African-American members team up with members of the anti-gay industry to further the distortion of the Congressional hearing regarding hate crimes legislation. A flyer is created featuring an African-American minister with handkerchief tied over his mouth.
The Eastern Psychological Association rebukes Paul Cameron for misrepresenting his appearance at one of their meetings. Cameron claimed he presented a paper when in actuality, he took part in a 70-person poster presentation.
Peter LaBarbera of Americans for Truth cite a Paul Cameron study (i.e. the same one he falsely claimed to have presented at the Eastern Psychological Association's meeting) irregardless of his history of distortions.
Exodus International claims to have removed Paul Cameron's work from its webpage.
Francis Collins, a respected genticist and director of the Human Genome Project, accuses NARTH of misquoting him on whether or not homosexuality is "hardwired."
Fox commentator Bill O'Reilly helps spread the story about 150 lesbian gangs running havoc in Washington, D.C. O'Reilly later admits that the story was false.
The Ninth Circuit Court rules against the Allied Defense Fund in a lawsuit it brought on behalf on employees of the city of Oakland, CA. The employees sued because they were told to take down a flyer advertising the formation of Christian group. The group was formed in response to other employees starting a gay tolerance group. Members of the anti-gay industry and unfortunately members of the legitimate media (i.e. Pulitzer Prize winning columnist George Will) spin the story as one of Christians being denied their rights. However, all omitted a few facts: the employees were still permitted to start the group. They were told to take down the flyer because it contained language that bashed other employees for starting the gay tolerance group. In addition, the employees starting the Christian group made it a point to post the flyer outside the cubicle of a lesbian employee. The Ninth Circuit Court ruled that the city of Oakland was well within its rights to prevent a hostile working environment.
NEW ENTRY - President Bush’s choice for Surgeon General, James Holsinger, is derailed after is it discovered that he wrote a 1991 paper that called gay sex “unhealthy.” In this paper, Holsinger allegedly used religious right techniques for applying research, including taking other research out of context. Congress never votes on Holsinger.
Sandy Rios of Concerned Women for America cites the Paul Cameron study regarding "gay lifespans and cigarette smoking" on an episode of the O'Reilly Factor.
Paul Cameron is the guest speaker at a meeting of the Christian Council of Britian. The group has a known racist reputation in England.
In attempts to keep cities and towns from passing laws that would bar discrimination against the transgender community, various anti-gay industry groups claim that the laws would allow male predators to gain access to women's bathrooms and locker rooms. They assert that all the predators have to do is state that they "feel like the other gender."
A January issue of the New Yorker magazine says that according to the CDC’s National Survey for Family Growth, released in 2006, 38.2 percent of men between 20 and 39 and 32.6 percent of women ages 18 to 44 engage in heterosexual anal sex. Interestingly enough, anti-gay industry groups ignore this article as they continue to assert and infer that anal sex is strictly “destructive homosexual behavior.”
2008
Paul Cameron’s discredited study on “gay criminal habits” is cited as fact by supermarket tabloid magazine National Examiner.
Members of the anti-gay industry (i.e. Concerned Women for America, etc.) claim that a possible outbreak of staph infections amongst gay men in San Francisco is the result of a “politically correct” doctrine of not telling people about the so-called dangers of homosexuality. Some even infer that it is the new AIDS crisis. However, the Centers for Disease Control quickly issues a statement that will hopefully reign in future hyperbole. Amongst other things, the statement says: The strains of MRSA described in the recent Annals of Internal Medicine have mostly been identified in certain groups of men who have sex with men (MSM), but have also been found in some persons who are not MSM. It is important to note that the groups of MSM in which these isolates have been described are not representative of all MSM, so conclusions can not be drawn about the prevalence of these strains among all MSM.
In a show of unmitigated gall, anti-gay industry groups led by Concerned Women for America and Americans for Truth do not address their distortions of the MRSA infection. Instead, they try reverse psychology in claiming that they want to help gay rights group stop the infection.
Concerned Women for America leads the charge of anti-gay industry groups claiming that gay rights groups “strong armed” the medical community to play down the MRSA story. They do not offer any proof of their claims. In addition, Matt Barber (Concerned Women for America) and Peter LaBarbera (Americans for Truth) deny that they linked the MRSA infection to the AIDS crisis in their original spins. However, comments they originally said about the MRSA infection show otherwise.
An anti-gay industry group in Maryland hoping to get petition signatures against a law protecting the transgender community from discrimination are the recipients of an “interesting” media opportunity. They had complained that new law could lead to men “dressed as women” entering women’s locker rooms and bathrooms. Conveniently, there is a report of an incident of this situation taking place at a local gym. However it is highly suspicious. The woman reporting the incident just happens to be a member of the group attempting to get petition signatures. For this reason and others, the incident is dismissed by many as a publicity stunt. However the stunt and claims are successful. The group forces a referendum on the bill.
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force head Matt Foreman says in a speech that the gay community must take more of a responsibility in fighting AIDS. He says that AIDS is a gay disease. Despite the fact that NAACP member Julian Bond has said pretty much the same thing about AIDS and the black community, members of the anti-gay industry trumpet Foreman's speech as proof that homosexuality leads to AIDS.
Concerned Women for America member Matt Barber claims to reveal the "gay agenda." His "revelation" is an old one; it is the claim that the gay community is trying to take over America through points of attack from After the Ball (see the year 1987).
An article in a Focus on the Family magazine cites the 1984 book The Male Couple to make the case that gay relationships involve promiscuity. However the article does not give the name of the book. This means of course it omits the caveat by the authors that their research was not meant to be the best representation of all gay couples.
Focus on the Family member Glenn Stanton says that there is a "clear consensus" among anthropologists that "A family is a unit that draws from the two types of humanity, male and female." Stanton, who is not an anthropologist, is quickly challenged by legitimate people in the field such as American Anthropologists Association. They call his claim a "gross misrepresentation of the position of the anthropological community on gay marriage"
Deerfield High School is again accused by the anti-gay industry of "indoctrinating students into the homosexual agenda." This accusation involves a book, Angels in America, that was recommended as an assigned book in a senior AP English class. The book details the early days of the AIDS crisis and contains sexually graphic language. However, many lodging the accusation against Deerfield omitted that the book was not required for reading. Also, parents had to opt-in their children in the class, which means they knew fully well what the reading choices would be.
Oklahoma State Representative Sally Kern gives a talk to a local Republican group where she says homosexuality is worse than terrorism. She also cites Paul Cameronesque statistics on the alleged gay life span and claims that gays are trying to "indoctrinate" two-year olds.
In defending Sally Kern, Concerned Women for America brings up the 1987 book After The Ball. The organization accuses the gay community of relying on tactics in the book to "bully" Kern. The organization also does not give any proof as to an orchestrated plan by the gay community to do such.
Mary Frances Forrester, wife of a North Carolina state representative, writes a column for a right-wing publication in which she pushes forth the hackneyed claim that gays are plotting to undermine "Christian values." In her column, she cites the work of discredited researcher Paul Cameron. She also cites the Michael Swift piece from 1987, omitting the part of the piece that clearly called it satire. She even gets Michael Swift's name wrong, calling him "Mark Swift."
Concerned Women for America accuses Human Rights Campaign head Joe Solmonese of potentially "risking lives in pursuit of a political agenda." The organization claims that Solmonese "recklessly" demanded that the Food And Drug Administration's ban on blood donations by men having sex with men be lifted. However the group omits that Solmonese was merely commenting on testimony by American Red Cross, the American Association of Blood Banks and America’s Blood Centers that the ban should be lifted. Concerned Women for America also does not comment on these organizations' testimony. The press release sent out by the organization focuses solely on attacking Solmonese.
Janet Folger, in a column defending Oklahoma Rep. Sally Kern's statements about homosexuality, refers to the 1997 Canadian study as proof that gays have a short life span. However, in 2001 (see entry), the authors of the study complained on record that the anti-gay industry have been distorted this study.
Peter Sprigg of the Family Research Council, in an interview about immigration laws denying the foreign partners of gay Americans the ability to immigrate to the U.S. unlike their heterosexually-married counterparts, says that he would prefer the United States deport gays and lesbians. He later apologizes for the comment.
Oklahoma Rep. Sally Kern writes a letter to the editor to a local newspaper defending her comments about homosexuality. Amongst other things, she cites a study by Paul Cameron. She also distorts the 1997 Canadian study as proof that gays have a short life span. She does this despite the fact that in 2001 (see entry), the authors of the study went on record complaining how it has been distorted by the anti-gay industry.
Matt Barber of Concerned Women for America falsely claims that "multiple studies have established that homosexual conduct, especially among males, is considerably more hazardous to one’s health than a lifetime of chain smoking." Barber also refers to the 1997 Canadian study to claim that gays have a short lifespan. He addresses the 2001 complaint by the researchers of the study regarding the misusage of their work (see entry). Barber tries to dismiss the complaint as "worthless fluff." He also claims that the researchers were under "tremendous pressure" to complain. However, he neglects to go into detail as to what pressure was "exerted" on the researchers. Pleasantly for a change, he is taken to task for this distortion on many left-wing and right-wing webpages and blogs.
Conservative columnist Kevin McCullough falsely claims that ENDA (Employee Non-Discrimination Act) would make it difficult for churches to fire youth ministers found to be having inappropriate relationships with young boys in church programs.
Janelle Hallman, a researcher from NARTH (National Association for the Research and Treatment of Homosexuality), an organization pushing discredited ex-gay therapy, cites Paul Cameron in her book, The Heart of Female Same-Sex Attraction: A Comprehensive Counseling Resource.
Lifesite News, a Roman Catholic "news" site, refers to a discredited Paul Cameron study that he falsely claimed to have presented to the Eastern Psychological Association in 2007 (see entry).
Discredited researcher Paul Cameron tours Russia where his history of distortions is virtually unknown. He speaks at Moscow State University and repeats much of his discredited work, including lie about gays and child molestation.
Insure.com, a publicly traded insurance company continues to cite work from discredited researcher Paul Cameron even after it is alerted on his many censures and breaches of professional ethics. Click to read a list of those who still cite Cameron's work.
In a brochure, The Slippery Slope of Same Sex Marriage, the Family Research Council cites the 2001 Dutch study by Maria Xiridou (see entry) despite the fact that the study had nothing to do with same sex marriage. Click to read a list of those who continue to distort Xiridou's study.
In an article published in the American Family Association's One News Now, ex-gay organization PFOX claims that a "recent study" says that "the increased risk of suicide that is linked with young people who identify themselves as homosexuals before achieving full maturity -- a process encouraged by many homosexual high school clubs." The study in question, Risk Factors for Attempted Suicide in Gay and Bisexual Youth by Remafedi, Farrow, and Deisher, is not recent because it was published in 1991.
Gary Remafedi, M.D., M.P.H., a professor of pediatrics at the University of Minnesota and one of the authors of the study mentioned by PFOX (see above entry), claims the "ex-gay" organization distorted his research findings.
The Palm Center announces that a Duke University law review will be publishing a critique of a 2007 article by Elaine Donnelly. Donnelly is the president of the Center for Military Readiness, a traditional values interest group with no military or academic affiliation. According to Palm Center Director Aaron Belkin, Donelly's article is riddled with mistakes and misreadings of both Palm Center work and the "don't ask, don't tell" law and policy that governs gay service.
Elaine Donnelly testifies in front of a Congressional committee looking at the Don't Ask, Don't Tell law that deals with gays in the military. Her testimony, rife with fear stories of transgenders in the military, lesbians taking pictures of women in the shower, and gay men with AIDS, does nothing to help her argument in the eyes of the Congressional committee.
Robert Knight, now with the right-wing Media Research Center, attempts to spin Donnelly's failed testimony as that of a "valiant woman facing an ultra liberal committee."
"Ex-gay" Greg Quinlan inaccurately claims that the director of the Human Genome Project, Dr. Francis Collins, said that homosexuality is not hardwired. Dr. Francis has gone on record in 2007 declaring that he never made that statment. When confronted with his inaccuracy by the webpage ExGay Watch, Quinlan accuses ExGay Watch of making up Dr. Collins's rebuke.
Dr. Collins confirms that he did complain about the inaccuracy of the "hardwired" quote.
The Maryland anti-gay industry group pushing the referendum against the anti-discrimination law protecting transgendered citizens is dealt a death blow when a court decision stops their efforts. The law goes into effect immediately afterwards. One News Now, however, inaccurately claims that the anti-gay industry group gained 900,00 valid signatures. They are off by a huge amount. The group only received 26, 813 valid signatures.
Professor Michael King of University College in the United Kingdom accuses the Catholic website LifeSite and One News Now of distorting his work on the rate of depression and suicide in the gay community.
While misrepresenting Dr. King's work, One News Now adds to the distortion by citing the work of the discredited Paul Cameron.
Lisa Diamond, University of Utah professor, accuses anti-gay group NARTH of grossly and deliberately distorting her work on sexual orientation.
In a successful attempt to pass Proposition 8, a law that would outlaw gay marriage in California, the religious right group 'Yes on 8' spreads the following stories - not passing Proposition 8 will lead to pastors being arrested for not performing gay marriage and children will be forced to learn about homosexuality. On that last point, the group gets an assist from David Parker who films an interview with Family Research Council head Tony Perkins. Parker exaggerates his tale of being arresting including claiming that his son brought home a book about homosexuality. The book in question was about differing families and only one family featured in the book was of a same sex nature.
Members of the religious right make the claim that the gay community is conducting an organized campaign of violence and intimidation against the voters of Proposition 8. To prove this, they cite an incident of a 69-year-old woman who has a styrofoam cross ripped out of her hand during a silent vigil protesting Proposition 8. They omit the fact that the woman, Phyllis Burgess, pushed her way through the crowd of protestors to be on camera even at the point of knocking down a disabled man.
An uncoordinated wildcat gay rights group in Michigan, Bash Back, invade a local church where they allegedly pull a fire alarm, make out at the pulpit, and shout blasphemies in front of children. However, area police say the church exaggerated some details of the story. Also some religious right groups incorrectly link the group Bash Back with the Proposition 8 protests, which have been peaceful.
Mike Heath, head of the Main Family Policy Council, accuses the gay community of "hate crimes against Christians" because of the Proposition 8 vote, including a bomb sent to a missionary in Vancouver, British Columbia. This is a blatant lie because the incident and the organization the missionary was involved in had nothing to do with gays, Proposition 8, California, the Mormon church, etc.
Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Cindy Lederman declares that Florida's ban on gay adoption is unconstitutional. She especially criticizes the testimony of George A. Rekers, an expert that the state called on to testify about its ban. Lederman says Dr. Rekers’ beliefs are motivated by his strong ideological and theological convictions that are not consistent with the science. Based on his testimony and demeanor at trial, the court can not consider his testimony to be credible nor worthy of forming the basis of public policy. This is the same conclusion that a judge in Arkansas reached regarding Rekers' testimony regarding that state's adoption ban in 2005. During his Florida testimony, Rekers repeated Paul Cameronesque lies about the gay community and even said he would consider banning Native Americans from adopting children for the same reasons he would consider banning gays.
President-Elect Barack Obama faces a firestorm of criticism from the lgbt community due to his selection of prominent pastor Rick Warren to give the invocation at his inauguration. Warren faces criticism due to his support of Proposition 8 in California and his comparing lgbt relationships to incest and pedophilia. In an address on his church’s website, Warren accuses his critics of “Christophobia” and claims that he never compared lgbt relationships to incest and pedophilia. However, an interview on Beliefnet.com clearly shows that Warren did compare lgbt relationships to incest and pedophilia.
The American Family Association complains that Campbell Soup is lending support to the alleged “homosexual agenda” because the company ran an ad in two issues of the lgbt-oriented Advocate magazine. The AFA is especially critical of the ad content because it features two lesbians and their son. This complaint comes at the same time the AFA’s newsite, One News Now, are calling lgbts “intolerant” for their anger over Rick Warren.
An investigation by the New Jersey Division of Civil Rights finds that there is reason to pursue anti-discrimination charges against the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association for denying Harriet Bernstein and Luisa Paster permission to rent its Boardwalk Pavilion for their civil union ceremony. While the religious right spins this case as one of religious liberties at danger, they omit the fact that the pavilion was receiving tax breaks under a law which said the property had to be open and nondiscriminatory for all.
2009
Gary Glenn and the American Family Association seeks to repeal a City of Kalamazoo expanded human rights ordinance on the grounds that the ordinance is an attack on religious beliefs and will lead to men invading women's restrooms. These are the same fear tactics used by a Maryland group in 2008 during their failed attempt to overturn an ordinance there.
The phony claim that the lgbt community is using the book After The Ball (see 1987) as a blueprint to take over America makes an appearance at least three times in the early months of 2009. Oklahoma Rep. Sally Kern makes the claim at a conference of the far right group The John Birch Society. The American Family Association refers to the book in its documentary "Silencing Christians." And Focus on the Family accuses actor Sean Penn of "taking a page" from the book in his acceptance speech after winning an Oscar for his portrayal of lgbt icon Harvey Milk.
A group in Utah, America Forever, uses the Michael Swift column (see 1987) in a hideously inaccurate, stereotype-ridden full page newspaper ad criticizing pending pro-gay state legislation.
Utah legislator Chris Buttars attacks gay community, calling them America's biggest threat and comparing them to "radical Muslims." When gays complain, spokespeople for the religious right accuse them of being "intolerant."
The book After the Ball (see 1987) is mentioned yet again. This time, it is Massachusetts anti-gay group Mass Resistance who claim that their being labeled as a "hate group" by the Southern Poverty Law Center is in accordance to the plan put forth by the book.
Voters in Gainesville, FL reject a ballot initiative designed to overturn the city's transgender-inclusive nondiscrimination law. Organizers of the ballot initiative claimed that the law would lead to "predators" invading women's restrooms and locker rooms. They even created a commercial claiming this point.
The Illinois Family Institute protests being labeled a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. However for all of its complaining, the group does not remove the material from its webpage (i.e. a press release featuring discredited work by Paul Cameron) that led to its labeling in the first place.
A columnist for One News Now, Peter Heck, refers to Paul Cameron's discredited gay life span study as proof that homosexuality is a "so-called dangerous lifestyle."
The National Organization for Marriage unveils a commercial, "A Gathering Storm," claiming that same sex marriage will lead to freedoms being curtailed. In the commercial, they repeat many distortions, including that of the Ocean Grove Pavilion (see 2008) and the David Parker controversy (see 2005). The Gathering Storm ad is quickly lambasted due to these distortions and its bad production values.
NEW ENTRY - Miss California Carrie Prejean becomes a cause celebre of the religious right because of her answer in the Miss America pageant that she does not support gay marriage. In the middle of the controversy, it is discovered that Prejean’s church,The Rock Church of San Diego, cites the studies of Paul Cameron in its claims about the lgbt community.
NEW ENTRY - The National Organization for Marriage teams up with Miss California, Carrie Prejean, in an attempt to take advantage of Prejean’s notoriety. However, after semi-nude photos of Prejean surfaces, the organization distances itself from her.
NEW ENTRY - Various religious right groups and figures claim that the American Psychological Association has “abandoned” the belief that homosexuality is caused by a “gay gene.” However the APA never asserted this belief in the first place.
NEW ENTRY - The religious right continues to lie about adding lgbts to hate crimes legislation, including claiming that pastors will be arrested for preaching against homosexuality and claiming that the bill protects pedophiles. They even try to coin a name for it -The Pedophilie Protection Bill.
NEW ENTRY - Paul Cameron attempts to push his discredited studies via a tour of Poland. However, he gets turned away from various speaking venues after Gazeta Wyborcza, a Polish newspaper, makes people aware of his negative reputation.
NEW ENTRY - The National Organization for Marriage pushes another television ad against gay marriage, this one being against gay marriage in New York. However the organization is skewered again as the ad contains several errors, including a mispelling of the word “marriage.”
NEW ENTRY - Authors of the book Unequal Opportunity: Health Disparities Affecting Gay and Bisexual Men in the United States (Professors Richard J. Wolitski, Ron Stall, and Ronald O. Valdiserri) accuse Focus on the Family of distorting their research in an attempt to claim a connection between child sexual abuse and adult homosexuality.
NEW ENTRY - The Family Research Council and various other religious right groups and figures campaign to get GLSEN (Gay Straight Lesbian Education Network) founder Kevin Jennings removed from his position as U.S. Assistant Secretary Deputy Secretary in the Office of Safe Schools, even pulling out the “Fistgate” lie. (see 2000)
NEW ENTRY - Scott Lively, author of the discredited book the Pink Swastika (a book that tries to link gays to the Nazi Party) publishes with a “textbook,” Redeeming the Rainbow: A Christian Response to the Gay Agenda. This “textbook” is basically a rehash of infamous anti-gay claims, including the “Michael Swift lie” and the “The Overhauling of Straight America” lie (see 1987 for both). Specifically, Lively not only cites Paul Cameron’s studies, but he also tries to sanitize Cameron’s reputation.
NEW ENTRY - South Carolina Senator Jim DeMint sends a letter out to various religious leaders claiming that the possible addition of lgbts to hate crimes legislation will lead to pastors being arrested in pulpits for calling homosexuality a sin.
NEW ENTRY - Duke University official Frank Lombard is arrested for molesting his five-year-old adopted son. Paul Cameron attempts to exploit the situation to push one of his inaccurate studies about pedophilia and homosexuality. Other members of the religious right (i.e. Peter LaBarbera and Maggie Gallagher) as well as right wing figures such as Michelle Malkin lambast the media for not emphasizing that Lombard is gay and his adopted son is African-American.
I stand by everything in this time line. I gleaned this information from various news articles and other sources. You can find my citations in my book, Holy Bullies and Headless Monsters. However, if anyone wants further proof, they can reach me and I will gladly provide my sources.
Some information also taken from A Thirty Years War and Anything But Straight
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Making Marriage Equality a Campaign Issue
You really know we have turned the corner when politicians start campaigning on the promise of equality.
Up to now, almost every prominent politician who has taken a stand for equality had nothing to lose. Things are different now.
Gov. Corzine has made "marriage equality" for gays and lesbians a prominent piece of his reelection campaign, taking another step in his conversion on the issue and encouraging gay-rights advocates who hope to see same-sex marriage approved in New Jersey this year.In public speeches and private appearances, Corzine, who as recently as 2006 said he believed marriage should be between a man and a woman, has touted his support of same-sex marriage.In raising the issue, he has tried to draw a bright-line divide with his Republican opponent, Christopher J. Christie, who has said he would veto a bill allowing gay and lesbian couples to wed."We believe that government should allow people the freedom to marry whomever they love," Corzine said in his general-election kickoff speech June 2.
Up to now, almost every prominent politician who has taken a stand for equality had nothing to lose. Things are different now.
Gov. Corzine has made "marriage equality" for gays and lesbians a prominent piece of his reelection campaign, taking another step in his conversion on the issue and encouraging gay-rights advocates who hope to see same-sex marriage approved in New Jersey this year.In public speeches and private appearances, Corzine, who as recently as 2006 said he believed marriage should be between a man and a woman, has touted his support of same-sex marriage.In raising the issue, he has tried to draw a bright-line divide with his Republican opponent, Christopher J. Christie, who has said he would veto a bill allowing gay and lesbian couples to wed."We believe that government should allow people the freedom to marry whomever they love," Corzine said in his general-election kickoff speech June 2.
Friday, June 19, 2009
A WHOPPING 15%
(WGN-AM)- U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk will call for legislation Monday that would toughen drug trafficking laws regarding a highly-potent form of marijuana, with penalties of up to 25 years in prison for a 1st-time offense.The law would target offenders who sell or distribute marijuana that has a THC content exceeding 15 percent, which is between 5 and 10 percent higher than average marijuana, according to Kirk's office. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main active ingredient in marijuana.Drug dealers are increasingly cross-breeding plants to produce high-potency variants of marijuana, which are called "kush" in street slang when they have 20 percent THC, according to Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran."When you amplify the strength of it, you are increasing the harm to the system," said Curran, who supports the legislation, which would amend a federal law. "They are more dangerous behind the wheel of a vehicle. It's not a good idea to have people that messed up."The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has reported that kush sells for as high as $600 per ounce--creating the same profit potential as crack cocaine, according to Kirk.He will release more information during a news conference in Chicago Monday, where he will be joined by representatives from the Lake County Sheriff's Department, the Lake County Metropolitan Enforcement Group and Waukegan Police Department.
I love this line:
"Drug dealers are increasingly cross-breeding plants to produce high-potency variants of marijuana."
Who says American Ingenuity (TM) is dead.
I love this line:
"Drug dealers are increasingly cross-breeding plants to produce high-potency variants of marijuana."
Who says American Ingenuity (TM) is dead.
Do Your Job, Mr. Roberts
And, Messrs. Thomas, Alito, Scalia, etc.
Yesterday the US Supreme Court ruled that one DOES NOT have a constitutional right to DNA evidence.
Said Mr. Roberts:
DNA testing has an unparalleled ability both to exonerate the wrongly convicted and to identify the guilty. The availability of new DNA testing technologies, however, cannot mean that every criminal conviction, or even every criminal conviction involving biological evidence, is suddenly in doubt. The task of establishing rules to harness DNA's power to prove innocence without unnecessarily overthrowing the established criminal justice system belongs primarily to the legislature.
And later he says THIS
There is no long history of a right of access to state evidence for DNA testing that might prove innocence. "The mere novelty of such a claim is reason enough to doubt that 'substantive due process' sustains it."
Check out Ed Brayton's anaylis and his thoughtful commenters here.
Yesterday the US Supreme Court ruled that one DOES NOT have a constitutional right to DNA evidence.
Said Mr. Roberts:
DNA testing has an unparalleled ability both to exonerate the wrongly convicted and to identify the guilty. The availability of new DNA testing technologies, however, cannot mean that every criminal conviction, or even every criminal conviction involving biological evidence, is suddenly in doubt. The task of establishing rules to harness DNA's power to prove innocence without unnecessarily overthrowing the established criminal justice system belongs primarily to the legislature.
And later he says THIS
There is no long history of a right of access to state evidence for DNA testing that might prove innocence. "The mere novelty of such a claim is reason enough to doubt that 'substantive due process' sustains it."
Check out Ed Brayton's anaylis and his thoughtful commenters here.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Quote For the Day
"The Obama Administration stumbled badly in defending the federal anti-marriage law, so-called "DOMA," despite his repeated campaign promises to end this federal discrimination against married gay couples and their loved ones. It is appalling to see the Obama Justice Department out-Bushing the Bush administration in its anti-gay arguments to shore up a massively unjust law that President Obama pledged to undo."
Evan Wolfson of Freedom to Marry
That is putting it mildly. By his actions, President Obama has shown himself to be a liar and a coward.
John Avavosis of AmericaBlog is covering this story in great detail. For those who believe that the Obama administartion has no choice but to defend the law, John introduces us to a man who knows the score.
NOTE FROM JOHN [Arovosis]: I'm happy to introduce Richard Socarides, a long time friend, former Hill staffer, and then former top aide to President Clinton, who will be writing for us from time to time on a variety of issues.
The Choice to Defend DOMA, and Its Consequencesby Richard Socarides.
Like many other gay people who support the president, and as someone who had hoped he would be a presidential-sized champion of gay civil rights from the start, I was disturbed by his administration’s brief defending the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), filed late last week, in opposition to our full equality. It had such a buckshot approach to it, a veritable kitchen sink of anti-gay legal theories, that it seemed expressly designed to inflict maximal damage to our rights. Instead of making nuanced arguments which took into account the president’s oft-stated support for repealing DOMA – a law he has called “abhorrent” – the brief seemed to embrace DOMA and all its horrific consequences.
Read the whole thing here. It is deeply disturbing.
Evan Wolfson of Freedom to Marry
That is putting it mildly. By his actions, President Obama has shown himself to be a liar and a coward.
John Avavosis of AmericaBlog is covering this story in great detail. For those who believe that the Obama administartion has no choice but to defend the law, John introduces us to a man who knows the score.
NOTE FROM JOHN [Arovosis]: I'm happy to introduce Richard Socarides, a long time friend, former Hill staffer, and then former top aide to President Clinton, who will be writing for us from time to time on a variety of issues.
The Choice to Defend DOMA, and Its Consequencesby Richard Socarides.
Like many other gay people who support the president, and as someone who had hoped he would be a presidential-sized champion of gay civil rights from the start, I was disturbed by his administration’s brief defending the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), filed late last week, in opposition to our full equality. It had such a buckshot approach to it, a veritable kitchen sink of anti-gay legal theories, that it seemed expressly designed to inflict maximal damage to our rights. Instead of making nuanced arguments which took into account the president’s oft-stated support for repealing DOMA – a law he has called “abhorrent” – the brief seemed to embrace DOMA and all its horrific consequences.
Read the whole thing here. It is deeply disturbing.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
North Korea Warns of Nuclear War Amid Rising Tensions
By VIJAY JOSHI, Associated Press Writer Vijay Joshi, Associated Press Writer – Sun Jun 14, 2:02 pm ET
SEOUL, South Korea – South Korea's president ordered his top security officials Sunday to deal "resolutely and squarely" with new North Korean warnings of a nuclear war on the eve of his U.S. visit. In Washington, Vice President Joe Biden said "God only knows" what North Korea wants from the latest showdown.
President Lee Myung-bak travels to Washington on Monday for talks with President Barack Obama that are expected to focus on the North's rogue nuclear and missile programs.
The trip comes after North Korea's Foreign Ministry threatened war with any country that stops its ships on the high seas under new sanctions approved by the U.N. Security Council in response to its May 25 nuclear test.
It also vowed Saturday to "weaponize" all its plutonium and acknowledged a long-suspected uranium enrichment program for the first time. Both plutonium and uranium are key ingredients of atomic bombs.
A commentary published Saturday in the North's state-run Tongil Sinbo weekly claimed the U.S. was deploying a vast number of nuclear weapons in South Korea and Japan.
North Korea "is completely within the range of U.S. nuclear attack and the Korean peninsula is becoming an area where the chances of a nuclear war are the highest in the world," it said.
Kim Yong-kyu, a spokesman at the U.S. military command in Seoul, denied the allegation, saying the U.S. no longer has nuclear bombs in South Korea. U.S. tactical nuclear weapons were removed from South Korea in 1991 as part of arms reductions following the Cold War.
President Lee summoned his top security ministers Sunday and ordered them to "resolutely and squarely cope" with the North's threats, his office said. The Unification Ministry, responsible for ties with the North, issued a statement demanding that it stop inflaming tension and resume talks with the South.
"North Korea should give up its nuclear program ... and stop any kind of military threat," it said. "We urge North Korea to respond in a sincere dialogue to improve South-North Korean relations."
The new U.N. sanctions approved Friday are aimed at depriving the North of the financing used to build its nuclear program. They also authorize searches of North Korean ships suspected of transporting illicit ballistic missile and nuclear materials.
Biden told NBC's "Meet the Press" that it's crucial that the U.S. and other nations "make sure those sanctions stick."
North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Il, reportedly had a stroke 10 months ago and analysts believe there may be a plan in place to name his inexperienced 26-year-old son, Kim Jong Un, as the future leader.
"God only knows what he wants," Biden said of Kim. "There's all kinds of discussions. Whether this is about succession, wanting his son to succeed him. Whether or not he's looking for respect. Whether or not he really wants a nuclear capability to threaten the region. ... We can't guess his motives.
"We just have to deal with the reality that a North Korea that is either proliferating weapons and or missiles, or a North Korea that is using those weapons ... is a serious danger and threat to the world, and particularly East Asia," the vice president said.
Lee Sang-hyun, an analyst at the Sejong Institute, a South Korean security think tank, said he believes the North will continue to conduct nuclear tests until it masters the technology to mount nuclear warheads on missiles and will give credit for it to Kim Jong Un.
"Kim Jong Un's status is still unstable. Kim Jong Il appears to be trying to give the son a powerful means to strengthen his succession," Lee said. "Kim Jong Un could also get the credit for nuclear weapons development."
North Korea is already believed to have enough plutonium for at least half a dozen atomic bombs.
North Korea says its nuclear program is a deterrent against the U.S., which it accuses of plotting to invade and topple its regime. Washington, which has 28,500 troops in South Korea, has repeatedly denied having any such plans.
___
Associated Press writers Jae-soon Chang and Hyung-jin Kim contributed to this report.
To quote Harrison Ford as Han Solo, "I've got a bad feeling about this."
Kim Jong Il was a crazy little warmonger long before he had his stroke. I'm sure my mind isn't the only one now racing with fears that this nuclear armed terrorist wants to go out with a bang. I can imagine his twisted delusions of martyrdom for the sake of his heir by wiping out his longtime enemy, and I am very concerned. If there was anything that would make me put aside my agenda and work with my political rivals for a common good this would be it.
Folks we have to act fast on this. If we let boats in and out of this area unchecked they may supply all our enemies with weapons of mass destruction. If we act he is going to use this as an excuse to use his nuclear weapons. Kim Jong Il has set a no win situation for us where fighting is the only way out. I say we enforce the naval blockade and show that we are not afraid on him no matter what he promises to do. I say this with great trepidation because I think he intends to use nuclear weapons either way.
The way I see it, if we can stop him from delivering weapons to his allies it will be the equivalent to stopping someone from passing guns around to all their friends just after they've told you they were going to shoot you.
SEOUL, South Korea – South Korea's president ordered his top security officials Sunday to deal "resolutely and squarely" with new North Korean warnings of a nuclear war on the eve of his U.S. visit. In Washington, Vice President Joe Biden said "God only knows" what North Korea wants from the latest showdown.
President Lee Myung-bak travels to Washington on Monday for talks with President Barack Obama that are expected to focus on the North's rogue nuclear and missile programs.
The trip comes after North Korea's Foreign Ministry threatened war with any country that stops its ships on the high seas under new sanctions approved by the U.N. Security Council in response to its May 25 nuclear test.
It also vowed Saturday to "weaponize" all its plutonium and acknowledged a long-suspected uranium enrichment program for the first time. Both plutonium and uranium are key ingredients of atomic bombs.
A commentary published Saturday in the North's state-run Tongil Sinbo weekly claimed the U.S. was deploying a vast number of nuclear weapons in South Korea and Japan.
North Korea "is completely within the range of U.S. nuclear attack and the Korean peninsula is becoming an area where the chances of a nuclear war are the highest in the world," it said.
Kim Yong-kyu, a spokesman at the U.S. military command in Seoul, denied the allegation, saying the U.S. no longer has nuclear bombs in South Korea. U.S. tactical nuclear weapons were removed from South Korea in 1991 as part of arms reductions following the Cold War.
President Lee summoned his top security ministers Sunday and ordered them to "resolutely and squarely cope" with the North's threats, his office said. The Unification Ministry, responsible for ties with the North, issued a statement demanding that it stop inflaming tension and resume talks with the South.
"North Korea should give up its nuclear program ... and stop any kind of military threat," it said. "We urge North Korea to respond in a sincere dialogue to improve South-North Korean relations."
The new U.N. sanctions approved Friday are aimed at depriving the North of the financing used to build its nuclear program. They also authorize searches of North Korean ships suspected of transporting illicit ballistic missile and nuclear materials.
Biden told NBC's "Meet the Press" that it's crucial that the U.S. and other nations "make sure those sanctions stick."
North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Il, reportedly had a stroke 10 months ago and analysts believe there may be a plan in place to name his inexperienced 26-year-old son, Kim Jong Un, as the future leader.
"God only knows what he wants," Biden said of Kim. "There's all kinds of discussions. Whether this is about succession, wanting his son to succeed him. Whether or not he's looking for respect. Whether or not he really wants a nuclear capability to threaten the region. ... We can't guess his motives.
"We just have to deal with the reality that a North Korea that is either proliferating weapons and or missiles, or a North Korea that is using those weapons ... is a serious danger and threat to the world, and particularly East Asia," the vice president said.
Lee Sang-hyun, an analyst at the Sejong Institute, a South Korean security think tank, said he believes the North will continue to conduct nuclear tests until it masters the technology to mount nuclear warheads on missiles and will give credit for it to Kim Jong Un.
"Kim Jong Un's status is still unstable. Kim Jong Il appears to be trying to give the son a powerful means to strengthen his succession," Lee said. "Kim Jong Un could also get the credit for nuclear weapons development."
North Korea is already believed to have enough plutonium for at least half a dozen atomic bombs.
North Korea says its nuclear program is a deterrent against the U.S., which it accuses of plotting to invade and topple its regime. Washington, which has 28,500 troops in South Korea, has repeatedly denied having any such plans.
___
Associated Press writers Jae-soon Chang and Hyung-jin Kim contributed to this report.
To quote Harrison Ford as Han Solo, "I've got a bad feeling about this."
Kim Jong Il was a crazy little warmonger long before he had his stroke. I'm sure my mind isn't the only one now racing with fears that this nuclear armed terrorist wants to go out with a bang. I can imagine his twisted delusions of martyrdom for the sake of his heir by wiping out his longtime enemy, and I am very concerned. If there was anything that would make me put aside my agenda and work with my political rivals for a common good this would be it.
Folks we have to act fast on this. If we let boats in and out of this area unchecked they may supply all our enemies with weapons of mass destruction. If we act he is going to use this as an excuse to use his nuclear weapons. Kim Jong Il has set a no win situation for us where fighting is the only way out. I say we enforce the naval blockade and show that we are not afraid on him no matter what he promises to do. I say this with great trepidation because I think he intends to use nuclear weapons either way.
The way I see it, if we can stop him from delivering weapons to his allies it will be the equivalent to stopping someone from passing guns around to all their friends just after they've told you they were going to shoot you.
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
The NYPD's Anti-gay Violence
Alana Smith reports on the struggle of two lesbians who are speaking out after they were beaten by New York City police.
June 9, 2009
June 9, 2009
FORTY YEARS after the Stonewall Inn uprising in New York City--where gays and lesbians fought back against police harassment and sparked a new social movement--it's still common for the NYPD to target lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people, especially LGBT people of color.
Jeannette Grey and Tiffany Jimenez learned that fact firsthand on May 16. The two lesbians were at the IFE Lounge in Brooklyn when they heard shouting outside and ran to see if their friends were okay. Before they knew it, police were throwing them to the ground, beating them with nightsticks and hurling slurs at them.
This might have been just another all-too-frequent case of police brutality in the Crown Heights area of Brooklyn, except these two courageous women decided to tell their story and fight back.
Jeannette, a 31-year-old African American lesbian, who goes by J.G., explained what happened:
Not only were we beaten, but the cops hurled anti-gay statements as they raised their nightsticks. Then, they had the audacity in front of their own sergeant and the rest of their brothers and sisters to say, "We are having some dyke pussy in here tonight."
I knew then that this crime wasn't just about me or about the other female involved. As I laid there, and I felt the nightsticks hit me, I thought of Martin Luther King, and what he had to endure just for us to have the freedoms we do today.
I immediately relaxed my body, put my arms up where they could see I wasn't resisting, and screamed at the top of my lungs for someone to hit record on their camera. As they pulled me into the car, I knew that they picked the wrong quote-unquote "dyke" to mess with.
The other woman attacked by the police was 19-year-old Tiffany. As she described, while fighting back tears:
I'm very small, and I had no shoes, and they threw me on my back. I was wearing a dress, and they flipped me over, exposing my butt. I was screaming and crying--I was so scared.
I don't feel safe from the NYPD. We're supposed to be able to call on them when hate crimes happen, but they're the ones who are committing hate crimes against us. I don't know who we're supposed to call for help any more. I don't want to call the cops.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
ON JUNE 6, J.G. and Tiffany spoke out at a press conference outside the 77th Precinct in Crown Heights, with the support of the organizations Safe OUTside the System (SOS, a part of the Audre Lorde Project) and Gays and Lesbians of Bushwick Empowered (GLOBE, a program of Make the Road NY).
Community organizers also spoke and encouraged people to get involved in fighting police brutality. "We learn to avoid the cops because we are harassed just for being who we are: black, Latino, immigrant, LGBTQ teenagers or for simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time," said one GLOBE member.
Andrea Ritchie, a civil rights attorney who was a research consultant and co-author for Amnesty International's 2005 report "Stonewalled: Police Abuse and Misconduct Against LGBT People in the U.S.," [2] stated: "As individuals, we can make civil complaints, but as a community, we need to demand real accountability."
Councilwoman Letitia James connected the brutality faced by J.G. And Tiffany with the recent murder of 25-year-old Omar Edwards, a Black off-duty police officer shot by a white cop who mistook him for a robber. James called on the King's County prosecutor to drop charges filed against Tiffany for disorderly conduct and obstructing government administration.
The press conference concluded with a representative of SOS presenting a list of demands that included: a public apology to J.G. and Tiffany, and to the LBGT community; the firing of the officers involved; dropping all charges against Tiffany; an investigation of the incident and assault charges against the officers who attacked the two women; an independent prosecutor appointed for cases of police brutality; giving real authority to the Civilian Complaint Review Board; and legislative efforts to reduce police brutality.
At the end of the press conference, several hundred people marched proudly through the streets of Crown Heights, expressing high spirits and confidence with their chants, and meeting virtually no hostility from passersby.
The march ended on a particularly energizing note, with the reading of a powerful poem, full of beauty and rage, written in dedication to the bruises of the women who were beaten. Many joined in chanting lines from the poem like: "I want to hold my woman's hand in the street at midnight!"
This event was an example of the strong message that can be sent when people have the confidence to fight and combine the struggles against homophobia, racism and police brutality.
Monday, June 08, 2009
Lies in the Name of God
I have yet again been accused of being hateful and deceitful on Jay Guillette's website dtf-jayg.blogspot.com. An orchestrated effort was made to try to trick me through numerous lies and deceptions that spanned several days through both blog posts and emails into saying something awful against Christians. Let me give readers the blow by blow of events in chronological order unedited so there is a record of the truth and people can see for themselves just how in need of help this individual is.
All italicised words are my commentary and not part of the interaction:
The first comment is on Jay's website posted after William and I have just had one of our usual exchanges.
Lillith said...
These people do need prayer JHG. They are parasites on our local communities as they reject love.
Then Lilith comes over to my website and posts:
Lillith said...
It's as if the energy from the opposition has been sucked dry. Soon, even the churches will embrace gay and lesbian marriage. Conquered by love. In another forum, I got "William," a Catholic blogger, to admit that he's thought about having oral sex with another man. LOL...soon it will all be over.
Here's my reply:
John Hosty-Grinnell said...
Jelly, it does seem like we are on quite a roll this year.
Lilith, I've seen you post a few times in the past, it's good to see you around again. I was hoping we could stay in better touch, would you mind clicking on the "follow" button on this blog so you can see what I'm up to? You seem like an Allie we could use.
I've got to know, where was this that you got William to admit that? You have to know that they can't keep the hate up when it is one sided for very long. I know love is going to conquer them just like you said.
I'm glad you came over and helped in that conversation, I hope you'll stay and help on that blog period.
Jellie, if you want a blast of "holier-than-thou" you could always follow Lilith and I over to:
dtf-jayg.blogspot.com
I'll warn you now, they can be quite rude to the GLBT. ;)
Here's Lilith's response:
Lillith said...
It was in a GLBT chat room over at Talk City. He indicated that he is the same William who posts at several Catholic blogs including DTF. I refuted his arguments and it wasn't long before he expressed his fears and frustration that the GLBT movement is defeating even the churches and is so-quickly winning the battles over gay marriage. At one point, after I refuted his objections, he admitted that his anger had been getting the best of him and that he had even thought about gay sex himself. It was one of those beautiful moments when an angry and deluded man admitted that his objections were rooted in prejudice and fear and admitted his own suppressed desires.
We are winning. We will conquer through love indeed. I have found that when intellectual arguments fail, we need to take a more powerful approach. What do I mean? I mean when challenged to try the lifestyle or asked in they have thought about it, often amazing things happen. A simple and direct approach which gets results.
We will triumph.
Now enter DawnOfAquarius, Lilith's alter ego:
DawnofAquarius said...
The New Order is upon us. New theologies are replacing the old. A new construct is inevitable. The queer gospel will dominate the old. A new and young generation is demanding new myths. The Age of Aquarius is here now. It will suck the Age of Pisces dry. It will conquer fear and hatred through the power of unrestricted love.
My response:
John Hosty-Grinnell said...
DawnofAquarius, I think you might be right. I have believed for some time now that the Holy Spirit and the second coming of Christ were metaphors for the spirit of love that is inherent in all human beings. The 2012 doomsday for me is more looking like the radical realignment of religion to understand that goodness is it's own reward.
Lilith, it might be a pain in the ass but could you go back and find the quote you're talking about so I can cite it. I'm sure you can understand why I would want to have my facts in order, especially when I want to quote that on DTF! ;)
Lilith responds:
Lillith said...
William: "It's just that lately, I have the nagging feeling that we are losing the culture war against same-sex 'marriage.' This, to me, is frustrating as our arguments are not working and we are being steamrolled in the courts and in the court of popular opinion..I have thought about gay sex and it is gravely sinful. But a powerful force which I admit at times has enthralled me. I have thought about it..but have not acted on it. I just feel at times that if we can't beat them we should join them."
And now William has fallen silent at DTF. The brave Catholic warrior vanquished by a force which will eventually overtake him.
He has been defeated. We need to overcome the others. Seduce them with our arguments and our love. Conquer them by example.
Soon, the churches will just give in. And a new Age will have triumphed.
The opposition is in panic-mode. They cannot beat us and we won't go away. They are paralyzed like a deer in the headlights....lol....and we will conquer them while they are asleep.
My response:
John Hosty-Grinnell said...
Excellent Lilith, now just give me a link to where he said this so when people ask I can point to it.
You are right, it is by our example, our persistence, and our love that they will be forced to reconcile their own homophobia. Once they take a good look in the mirror at what they've allowed themselves to become the change will occur.
Lilith responds:
Lillith said...
http://forums.talkcity.com/tc-space/chat
William has been vanquished. Now it's time to expose the rest.
My response:
John Hosty-Grinnell said...
I've been eating spoonfuls of Williams hate for years now, I doubt he is truly vanquished, but we shall see. I hope he has had a realization like you think.
As far as "the rest" I'm game, what were you thinking? Let's continue this conversation via email:
salemmaman@gmail.com
DawnofAquarius responds:
DawnofAquarius said...
And all the while he had a taste for cock himself. Bring them all down. When they have all been exposed as hypocrites, it's really over. Their credibility will be finished. Anyone who has info on the others, share it with John Grinnell.
My response:
John Hosty-Grinnell said...
Great call to action DawnofAquarius. Tom Lang and I make a point to try and know who is who out there and we do keep records, so if anyone has material to add please do.
It is most important in understanding what to do that we first KnowThyNeighbor. ;)
John Hosty-Grinnell said...
Oh, and feel free to join us over at DTF while we talk directly to those who oppose us. We need to start making a stronger presence on these blogs in order to help them and their lurkers see the light.
Any and all help in the task is welcome, tell all your friends who would help.
So that's the end of the exchange on my blog, meanwhile a few more things are said over on Jay Guillette's blog:
Anonymous said...
Save them from their hate.
Lillith said...
A new kind of love is taking the world by storm. Its power is unstoppable. It cannot be resisted. It will conquer the world and its archaic fears. Its power is irrefutable and irresistible. The future is here.
Lillith said...
Funny how quiet William is now. Defeated, he must now face his self-loathing. Face your fears William and admit defeat for yourself and your movement.
My response:
John Hosty-Grinnell said...
I have been posting on this website for years and been the target of much hatred. The exchanges here are indicative of the exchanges we have had throughout the entire time I've posted here.
I have to ask, when does one finally stop with the vitriol comments and attempt genuine constructive dialog?
My question all along this path we've taken together has been very basic; by what terms can we live in peace although we disagree?
So far that question has gone unanswered.
Pax Christi
So now William speaks up:
William said...
I see that Mr. Hosty is still up to his old tactics. Now he is allowing comments slandering me at his blog. And this without any facts to corroborate the ugly accusations. View the comments section of his post:
http://livelovelearn247.blogspot.
com/2009/06/rhode-island-feeling-
pressure-to.html
There "lillith" may be seen falsely accusing me of ugly things and Mr. Hosty not only allowing the comment without facts to ack them up but readily buying into the lies.
Further proof that the radical homosexual movement will do or say anything to achieve its goals.
My response:
John Hosty-Grinnell said...
William, if it bothers you so much when people lie about you then why do you lie about others?
I allow free conversation on the blogs I support, everyone has a right to say what they want. You'll also see that I asked Lilith to furnish proof of what she said against you, why didn't you mention that? Are you trying to be dishonest by omission?
The next three posts were erased by the blog owner, Jay Guillette. However, all people who have clicked on the article's follow option receive these posts by email which Jay is not able to undo, so there is still a varifiable record of them:
Lillith has left a new comment on the post "What everyone deserves":
So what if I lied? All is fair in this war. You are a homophobe. If I want to tell the whole world you are a queer and John Grinnell decides to publish it, that's our right.
You started this war.
And now the antagonist tells me I've been had:
DawnofAquarius has left a new comment on the post "What everyone deserves":
The "proof" you asked for wasn't supplied John. Because there isn't any. William doesn't visit chat rooms so there is no "proof." But why worry about it? Lillith is right to say all is fair right? Didn't you communicate as much to me in an email? When we exchanged emails to develop strategy to bring Christians down, I wrote, "I think we need a new strategy. Everything should be done to bring these Christian hypocrites down. Do you have contacts who can try to seduce them? Get them involved in suggestive conversations, chats, emails etc. Document it all. Get them to admit they have the same sexual urges, the same desires to suck cock. Then when you have enough, bring them down."
And you responded, "We've actually done this before, but it doesn't get much bang for our buck. The best thing to do is to beat them at their own game, using the founding principles of Christianity as our guide...Of course I am more than happy to bring a spotlight onto anyone who is vocally against gays.."
So John Hosty, you consider your techniques (trying to seduce Christians with dirty tricks etc) as falling within the "founding principles of Christianity?"
In case you haven't realized it yet, you've been "Punk'd." Anyone who wants a copy of John Hosty's offensive email may contact me at: DawnofAquarius66@yahoo.com.
Now those who visit this Blog will know you for what you are. Charity? You don't know the meaning of the word.
Oh and by the way, "Lillith" is not just a friend. We share the same brain. Consider this an exercise in military reconnaisance.
Dawn of Aquarius
aka: Wife of William
My response:
John Hosty-Grinnell has left a new comment on the post "What everyone deserves":
I will post the entire exchange on my website so people can see from beginning to end what was said and not get the soundbites you are trying to supply.
Did you really think I didn't suspect something like this? Sorry to disappoint you but you are not the first to try this dishonest method.
What is up with all the dishonesty? Don't you know that lying is a sin?
Then the antagonist changes monikers again and posts a new message:
WifeofWilliam said...
Mr. Hosty, you are a predictable little weasel. You claim you knew what was going on writing, "Did you really think I didn't suspect something like this? Sorry to disappoint you but you are not the first to try this dishonest method...Don't you know that lying is a sin?"
Nice try genius. But in your email to me today (a copy of which I will gladly forward to anyone who asks), you wrote: "..Lilith went on DTF and basically said she was lying about what she said on my blog, which of course doesn't make me look good. I don't know what to think of all this.."
You're a terrible liar Mr. Hosty. Lying bothers you? Try again. In a previous comment in this thread addressed to my husband, you wrote, "I allow free conversation on the blogs I support, everyone has a right to say what they want. You'll also see that I asked Lilith to furnish proof of what she said against you, why didn't you mention that?"
Everyone has a right "to say what they want?" Even total lies aimed at destroying another's credibility? Where is this so-called "proof" Mr. Hosty you weasel? Supply it now. Where is the actual transcript where my husband may be seen to express a desire for homosexual sex? You cannot supply one because one does not exist.
But I CAN supply proof of what I am saying. And I will. To anyone who asks for it.
It is my profound hope that JayG will keep all these comments at this thread so that readers of this Blog will know definitively that you are a dishonest weasel who will lie, calumniate, and work various dirty tricks so as to harm other Christians.
You sir are no Christian. I pretended to be someone and something else to expose you and your hideous methods. Is this wrong? Tell it to undercover FBI agents and CIA types who do this everyday to expose evil in our midst.
But your lies are intended to harm. You sir are engaged in an evil work.
Wife of William
aka DawnofAquarius
Let's take a look at those emails in full and see just what they said in their entirety:
Dawn Williams to me
show details Jun 7 (1 day ago) Reply
I think we need a new strategy. Everything should be done to bring these Christian hypocrites down. Do you have contacts who can try to seduce them? Get them involved in suggestive conversations, chats, emails etc. Document it all. Get them to admit they have the same sexual urges, the same desires to suck cock. Then when you have enough, bring them down.
We must work to undermine these Christians and their groups. Infiltrate them and finish them off. Imagine getting photos of a Catholic activist sucking cock or getting sucked?
Bring them down.
John Hosty-Grinnell to Dawn
show details Jun 7 (1 day ago) Reply
We've actually done this before, but it doesn't get much bang for our buck. The best thing to do is to beat them at their own game, using the founding principles of Christianity as our guide. Whenever they act unChristian and we become the examples they should be it creates stress for them internally as well with others who stand up and cry foul.
Of course I am more than happy to bring a spotlight onto anyone who is vocally against gays while themselves a closet case. I don't mind
those who are in the closet, I just won't tolerate them to spread
their own self hatred directed at me or mine.
I like the fact that you are angry enough to be active, and I
certainly am not excluding what you have said here as an option. Did
you have anyone in particular you had in mind that might fit our needs as a viable person of interest?
John
Dawn Williams to me
show details 10:32 PM (23 hours ago) Reply
I think they all need to come down. Jerry Maneker wrote an awesome post on toxic christianity. You should post that using William as a prime example. William's homophobia is textbook self-loathing. I mean come on, he castigates you while secretly fantasizing about oral sex with men.
His credibility is finished.
John Hosty-Grinnell to Dawn
show details 6:55 PM (2 hours ago) Reply
Perhaps not. Lilith went on DTF and basically said she was lying about what she said on my blog, which of course doesn't make me look good. I don't know what to think of all this but Jerry always writes good articles. I'll check it out.
On an unrelated article titled: A Prayer for Peace on Earth this was left:
DawnofAquarius said...
I pray that William will honestly face up to his own homophobic sins and repent for them. I call upon William to admit that he wants cock.
So we have this whirlwind of lies aimed at trying to trip me up into saying something that would discredit me, but in the end only serve to show how far off the path of Christianity hate can bring some people.
One thing is for sure, there's a whole lot of dishonesty going on, and none of it is attributable to me; I've opened the entire affair to the public.
How would Lilith, aka dawnofaquarius, aka wifeofWilliam have the ability to selectively delete posts on Jay's blog? The answer is obvious, but I'll allow the readers to draw their own conclusions. ;)
Jay Guillette teaches Bible study on Fridays at the Cathedral of Saint Paul 38 High Street Worcester MA 01609 508-799-4193.
All italicised words are my commentary and not part of the interaction:
The first comment is on Jay's website posted after William and I have just had one of our usual exchanges.
Lillith said...
These people do need prayer JHG. They are parasites on our local communities as they reject love.
Then Lilith comes over to my website and posts:
Lillith said...
It's as if the energy from the opposition has been sucked dry. Soon, even the churches will embrace gay and lesbian marriage. Conquered by love. In another forum, I got "William," a Catholic blogger, to admit that he's thought about having oral sex with another man. LOL...soon it will all be over.
Here's my reply:
John Hosty-Grinnell said...
Jelly, it does seem like we are on quite a roll this year.
Lilith, I've seen you post a few times in the past, it's good to see you around again. I was hoping we could stay in better touch, would you mind clicking on the "follow" button on this blog so you can see what I'm up to? You seem like an Allie we could use.
I've got to know, where was this that you got William to admit that? You have to know that they can't keep the hate up when it is one sided for very long. I know love is going to conquer them just like you said.
I'm glad you came over and helped in that conversation, I hope you'll stay and help on that blog period.
Jellie, if you want a blast of "holier-than-thou" you could always follow Lilith and I over to:
dtf-jayg.blogspot.com
I'll warn you now, they can be quite rude to the GLBT. ;)
Here's Lilith's response:
Lillith said...
It was in a GLBT chat room over at Talk City. He indicated that he is the same William who posts at several Catholic blogs including DTF. I refuted his arguments and it wasn't long before he expressed his fears and frustration that the GLBT movement is defeating even the churches and is so-quickly winning the battles over gay marriage. At one point, after I refuted his objections, he admitted that his anger had been getting the best of him and that he had even thought about gay sex himself. It was one of those beautiful moments when an angry and deluded man admitted that his objections were rooted in prejudice and fear and admitted his own suppressed desires.
We are winning. We will conquer through love indeed. I have found that when intellectual arguments fail, we need to take a more powerful approach. What do I mean? I mean when challenged to try the lifestyle or asked in they have thought about it, often amazing things happen. A simple and direct approach which gets results.
We will triumph.
Now enter DawnOfAquarius, Lilith's alter ego:
DawnofAquarius said...
The New Order is upon us. New theologies are replacing the old. A new construct is inevitable. The queer gospel will dominate the old. A new and young generation is demanding new myths. The Age of Aquarius is here now. It will suck the Age of Pisces dry. It will conquer fear and hatred through the power of unrestricted love.
My response:
John Hosty-Grinnell said...
DawnofAquarius, I think you might be right. I have believed for some time now that the Holy Spirit and the second coming of Christ were metaphors for the spirit of love that is inherent in all human beings. The 2012 doomsday for me is more looking like the radical realignment of religion to understand that goodness is it's own reward.
Lilith, it might be a pain in the ass but could you go back and find the quote you're talking about so I can cite it. I'm sure you can understand why I would want to have my facts in order, especially when I want to quote that on DTF! ;)
Lilith responds:
Lillith said...
William: "It's just that lately, I have the nagging feeling that we are losing the culture war against same-sex 'marriage.' This, to me, is frustrating as our arguments are not working and we are being steamrolled in the courts and in the court of popular opinion..I have thought about gay sex and it is gravely sinful. But a powerful force which I admit at times has enthralled me. I have thought about it..but have not acted on it. I just feel at times that if we can't beat them we should join them."
And now William has fallen silent at DTF. The brave Catholic warrior vanquished by a force which will eventually overtake him.
He has been defeated. We need to overcome the others. Seduce them with our arguments and our love. Conquer them by example.
Soon, the churches will just give in. And a new Age will have triumphed.
The opposition is in panic-mode. They cannot beat us and we won't go away. They are paralyzed like a deer in the headlights....lol....and we will conquer them while they are asleep.
My response:
John Hosty-Grinnell said...
Excellent Lilith, now just give me a link to where he said this so when people ask I can point to it.
You are right, it is by our example, our persistence, and our love that they will be forced to reconcile their own homophobia. Once they take a good look in the mirror at what they've allowed themselves to become the change will occur.
Lilith responds:
Lillith said...
http://forums.talkcity.com/tc-space/chat
William has been vanquished. Now it's time to expose the rest.
My response:
John Hosty-Grinnell said...
I've been eating spoonfuls of Williams hate for years now, I doubt he is truly vanquished, but we shall see. I hope he has had a realization like you think.
As far as "the rest" I'm game, what were you thinking? Let's continue this conversation via email:
salemmaman@gmail.com
DawnofAquarius responds:
DawnofAquarius said...
And all the while he had a taste for cock himself. Bring them all down. When they have all been exposed as hypocrites, it's really over. Their credibility will be finished. Anyone who has info on the others, share it with John Grinnell.
My response:
John Hosty-Grinnell said...
Great call to action DawnofAquarius. Tom Lang and I make a point to try and know who is who out there and we do keep records, so if anyone has material to add please do.
It is most important in understanding what to do that we first KnowThyNeighbor. ;)
John Hosty-Grinnell said...
Oh, and feel free to join us over at DTF while we talk directly to those who oppose us. We need to start making a stronger presence on these blogs in order to help them and their lurkers see the light.
Any and all help in the task is welcome, tell all your friends who would help.
So that's the end of the exchange on my blog, meanwhile a few more things are said over on Jay Guillette's blog:
Anonymous said...
Save them from their hate.
Lillith said...
A new kind of love is taking the world by storm. Its power is unstoppable. It cannot be resisted. It will conquer the world and its archaic fears. Its power is irrefutable and irresistible. The future is here.
Lillith said...
Funny how quiet William is now. Defeated, he must now face his self-loathing. Face your fears William and admit defeat for yourself and your movement.
My response:
John Hosty-Grinnell said...
I have been posting on this website for years and been the target of much hatred. The exchanges here are indicative of the exchanges we have had throughout the entire time I've posted here.
I have to ask, when does one finally stop with the vitriol comments and attempt genuine constructive dialog?
My question all along this path we've taken together has been very basic; by what terms can we live in peace although we disagree?
So far that question has gone unanswered.
Pax Christi
So now William speaks up:
William said...
I see that Mr. Hosty is still up to his old tactics. Now he is allowing comments slandering me at his blog. And this without any facts to corroborate the ugly accusations. View the comments section of his post:
http://livelovelearn247.blogspot.
com/2009/06/rhode-island-feeling-
pressure-to.html
There "lillith" may be seen falsely accusing me of ugly things and Mr. Hosty not only allowing the comment without facts to ack them up but readily buying into the lies.
Further proof that the radical homosexual movement will do or say anything to achieve its goals.
My response:
John Hosty-Grinnell said...
William, if it bothers you so much when people lie about you then why do you lie about others?
I allow free conversation on the blogs I support, everyone has a right to say what they want. You'll also see that I asked Lilith to furnish proof of what she said against you, why didn't you mention that? Are you trying to be dishonest by omission?
The next three posts were erased by the blog owner, Jay Guillette. However, all people who have clicked on the article's follow option receive these posts by email which Jay is not able to undo, so there is still a varifiable record of them:
Lillith has left a new comment on the post "What everyone deserves":
So what if I lied? All is fair in this war. You are a homophobe. If I want to tell the whole world you are a queer and John Grinnell decides to publish it, that's our right.
You started this war.
And now the antagonist tells me I've been had:
DawnofAquarius has left a new comment on the post "What everyone deserves":
The "proof" you asked for wasn't supplied John. Because there isn't any. William doesn't visit chat rooms so there is no "proof." But why worry about it? Lillith is right to say all is fair right? Didn't you communicate as much to me in an email? When we exchanged emails to develop strategy to bring Christians down, I wrote, "I think we need a new strategy. Everything should be done to bring these Christian hypocrites down. Do you have contacts who can try to seduce them? Get them involved in suggestive conversations, chats, emails etc. Document it all. Get them to admit they have the same sexual urges, the same desires to suck cock. Then when you have enough, bring them down."
And you responded, "We've actually done this before, but it doesn't get much bang for our buck. The best thing to do is to beat them at their own game, using the founding principles of Christianity as our guide...Of course I am more than happy to bring a spotlight onto anyone who is vocally against gays.."
So John Hosty, you consider your techniques (trying to seduce Christians with dirty tricks etc) as falling within the "founding principles of Christianity?"
In case you haven't realized it yet, you've been "Punk'd." Anyone who wants a copy of John Hosty's offensive email may contact me at: DawnofAquarius66@yahoo.com.
Now those who visit this Blog will know you for what you are. Charity? You don't know the meaning of the word.
Oh and by the way, "Lillith" is not just a friend. We share the same brain. Consider this an exercise in military reconnaisance.
Dawn of Aquarius
aka: Wife of William
My response:
John Hosty-Grinnell has left a new comment on the post "What everyone deserves":
I will post the entire exchange on my website so people can see from beginning to end what was said and not get the soundbites you are trying to supply.
Did you really think I didn't suspect something like this? Sorry to disappoint you but you are not the first to try this dishonest method.
What is up with all the dishonesty? Don't you know that lying is a sin?
Then the antagonist changes monikers again and posts a new message:
WifeofWilliam said...
Mr. Hosty, you are a predictable little weasel. You claim you knew what was going on writing, "Did you really think I didn't suspect something like this? Sorry to disappoint you but you are not the first to try this dishonest method...Don't you know that lying is a sin?"
Nice try genius. But in your email to me today (a copy of which I will gladly forward to anyone who asks), you wrote: "..Lilith went on DTF and basically said she was lying about what she said on my blog, which of course doesn't make me look good. I don't know what to think of all this.."
You're a terrible liar Mr. Hosty. Lying bothers you? Try again. In a previous comment in this thread addressed to my husband, you wrote, "I allow free conversation on the blogs I support, everyone has a right to say what they want. You'll also see that I asked Lilith to furnish proof of what she said against you, why didn't you mention that?"
Everyone has a right "to say what they want?" Even total lies aimed at destroying another's credibility? Where is this so-called "proof" Mr. Hosty you weasel? Supply it now. Where is the actual transcript where my husband may be seen to express a desire for homosexual sex? You cannot supply one because one does not exist.
But I CAN supply proof of what I am saying. And I will. To anyone who asks for it.
It is my profound hope that JayG will keep all these comments at this thread so that readers of this Blog will know definitively that you are a dishonest weasel who will lie, calumniate, and work various dirty tricks so as to harm other Christians.
You sir are no Christian. I pretended to be someone and something else to expose you and your hideous methods. Is this wrong? Tell it to undercover FBI agents and CIA types who do this everyday to expose evil in our midst.
But your lies are intended to harm. You sir are engaged in an evil work.
Wife of William
aka DawnofAquarius
Let's take a look at those emails in full and see just what they said in their entirety:
Dawn Williams to me
show details Jun 7 (1 day ago) Reply
I think we need a new strategy. Everything should be done to bring these Christian hypocrites down. Do you have contacts who can try to seduce them? Get them involved in suggestive conversations, chats, emails etc. Document it all. Get them to admit they have the same sexual urges, the same desires to suck cock. Then when you have enough, bring them down.
We must work to undermine these Christians and their groups. Infiltrate them and finish them off. Imagine getting photos of a Catholic activist sucking cock or getting sucked?
Bring them down.
John Hosty-Grinnell to Dawn
show details Jun 7 (1 day ago) Reply
We've actually done this before, but it doesn't get much bang for our buck. The best thing to do is to beat them at their own game, using the founding principles of Christianity as our guide. Whenever they act unChristian and we become the examples they should be it creates stress for them internally as well with others who stand up and cry foul.
Of course I am more than happy to bring a spotlight onto anyone who is vocally against gays while themselves a closet case. I don't mind
those who are in the closet, I just won't tolerate them to spread
their own self hatred directed at me or mine.
I like the fact that you are angry enough to be active, and I
certainly am not excluding what you have said here as an option. Did
you have anyone in particular you had in mind that might fit our needs as a viable person of interest?
John
Dawn Williams to me
show details 10:32 PM (23 hours ago) Reply
I think they all need to come down. Jerry Maneker wrote an awesome post on toxic christianity. You should post that using William as a prime example. William's homophobia is textbook self-loathing. I mean come on, he castigates you while secretly fantasizing about oral sex with men.
His credibility is finished.
John Hosty-Grinnell to Dawn
show details 6:55 PM (2 hours ago) Reply
Perhaps not. Lilith went on DTF and basically said she was lying about what she said on my blog, which of course doesn't make me look good. I don't know what to think of all this but Jerry always writes good articles. I'll check it out.
On an unrelated article titled: A Prayer for Peace on Earth this was left:
DawnofAquarius said...
I pray that William will honestly face up to his own homophobic sins and repent for them. I call upon William to admit that he wants cock.
So we have this whirlwind of lies aimed at trying to trip me up into saying something that would discredit me, but in the end only serve to show how far off the path of Christianity hate can bring some people.
One thing is for sure, there's a whole lot of dishonesty going on, and none of it is attributable to me; I've opened the entire affair to the public.
How would Lilith, aka dawnofaquarius, aka wifeofWilliam have the ability to selectively delete posts on Jay's blog? The answer is obvious, but I'll allow the readers to draw their own conclusions. ;)
Jay Guillette teaches Bible study on Fridays at the Cathedral of Saint Paul 38 High Street Worcester MA 01609 508-799-4193.
Sunday, June 07, 2009
A Prayer for Peace on Earth
By Paramahansa Yogananda
Heavenly Father, Mother, Friend, Beloved God! May Thy love shine forever on the sanctuary of my devotion, and may I be able to awaken Thy love in all hearts.”
Close your eyes and concentrate deeply at the center of divine consciousness between the eyebrows. Feel the infinite love of God within your heart. Let your heart emanate that love for all the world. Pray deeply that the clouds of war fade away. Let us with all our hearts pray to God that His heavenly forces of goodness and love, ever subtly vibrating in the ether, be not overpowered in the hearts and minds of men by Satan’s suggestions of discord and enmity. For the forces of evil are aggressive, while the forces of good are humble and unassuming.
“Heavenly Father, bless our brothers and sisters living under the dark clouds of war, that they may be relieved from the obsession of Satan’s ignorance and hatred; and may Thine unassuming power of unifying love and peace conquer the aggressive forces of evil. We send out our deepest love for all, that they may receive Thy light of brotherhood and understanding, and be thereby guided to stop destroying each other and creating vibrations of evil that bring the mass karma of depression, catastrophe, and destruction all over the world.”
Feel that your love is going forth like an invisible X-ray, coursing through space into the hearts of the dictators and prime ministers and heads of all nations, that they may bring peace and international prosperity on earth instead of destruction. Include in the powerful radiation of your love all peoples of the world. May our united healing rays of love be surcharged by the infinite love of our Father and bathe the entire earth, permeating the hearts of all leaders and citizens of the world, that they may be filled with the universal amity and harmony of Spirit—bringing peace on earth, goodwill toward all, under the Fatherhood of God.
“Heavenly Father, bless the nations of the earth, our own large family, that all may realize their eternal kinship as Thy children. Thou art our one spiritual Father, the Beloved of the Universe and the Beloved of our hearts. May the strong thoughts of love we broadcast today possess the brains of the dictators and generals, that they may be filled with Thy wisdom, and so desist from working toward the common ruin of humanity. Bless them all. Bless all citizens of the earth, that they may establish a cooperative unity among all souls, and live in a united world with Thy power and light of love guiding us to Thy kingdom.”
Aum. Peace. Amen.
This was written almost 100 years ago yet maintains its value today.
Heavenly Father, Mother, Friend, Beloved God! May Thy love shine forever on the sanctuary of my devotion, and may I be able to awaken Thy love in all hearts.”
Close your eyes and concentrate deeply at the center of divine consciousness between the eyebrows. Feel the infinite love of God within your heart. Let your heart emanate that love for all the world. Pray deeply that the clouds of war fade away. Let us with all our hearts pray to God that His heavenly forces of goodness and love, ever subtly vibrating in the ether, be not overpowered in the hearts and minds of men by Satan’s suggestions of discord and enmity. For the forces of evil are aggressive, while the forces of good are humble and unassuming.
“Heavenly Father, bless our brothers and sisters living under the dark clouds of war, that they may be relieved from the obsession of Satan’s ignorance and hatred; and may Thine unassuming power of unifying love and peace conquer the aggressive forces of evil. We send out our deepest love for all, that they may receive Thy light of brotherhood and understanding, and be thereby guided to stop destroying each other and creating vibrations of evil that bring the mass karma of depression, catastrophe, and destruction all over the world.”
Feel that your love is going forth like an invisible X-ray, coursing through space into the hearts of the dictators and prime ministers and heads of all nations, that they may bring peace and international prosperity on earth instead of destruction. Include in the powerful radiation of your love all peoples of the world. May our united healing rays of love be surcharged by the infinite love of our Father and bathe the entire earth, permeating the hearts of all leaders and citizens of the world, that they may be filled with the universal amity and harmony of Spirit—bringing peace on earth, goodwill toward all, under the Fatherhood of God.
“Heavenly Father, bless the nations of the earth, our own large family, that all may realize their eternal kinship as Thy children. Thou art our one spiritual Father, the Beloved of the Universe and the Beloved of our hearts. May the strong thoughts of love we broadcast today possess the brains of the dictators and generals, that they may be filled with Thy wisdom, and so desist from working toward the common ruin of humanity. Bless them all. Bless all citizens of the earth, that they may establish a cooperative unity among all souls, and live in a united world with Thy power and light of love guiding us to Thy kingdom.”
Aum. Peace. Amen.
This was written almost 100 years ago yet maintains its value today.
Friday, June 05, 2009
Rhode Island Feeling the Pressure to Legalize Same Sex Marriage
(NECN: John Moroney) - Following New Hampshire's decision to approve gay marriage, the debate now shifts to Rhode Island. it’s the only state in New England that has not yet signed off on same-sex unions. Tomorrow gay rights advocates will make their case at the Statehouse.
The debate over gay marriage is not new in Rhode Island, but it is definitely heating up. It could be a long time before Rhode Island approves it, if at all. Two of the big reasons, the leadership at Statehouse opposes it, as does Rhode Island's most influential religious institution, the Catholic Church.
For the last 12 years the legislature has killed attempts to allow same-sex marriage in the state. The pressure seems to be building on lawmakers to do something now. But Christopher Plante, executive director of the National Organization of Marriage's Rhode Island chapter says they need to hold their ground.
NECN.COM
The debate over gay marriage is not new in Rhode Island, but it is definitely heating up. It could be a long time before Rhode Island approves it, if at all. Two of the big reasons, the leadership at Statehouse opposes it, as does Rhode Island's most influential religious institution, the Catholic Church.
For the last 12 years the legislature has killed attempts to allow same-sex marriage in the state. The pressure seems to be building on lawmakers to do something now. But Christopher Plante, executive director of the National Organization of Marriage's Rhode Island chapter says they need to hold their ground.
NECN.COM
Is New York Next?
Vote on Gay Marriage
Editorial
Vote on Gay Marriage
Published: June 3, 2009
A version of this article appeared in print on June 4, 2009, on page A26 of the New York edition
Editorial
Vote on Gay Marriage
Published: June 3, 2009
A version of this article appeared in print on June 4, 2009, on page A26 of the New York edition
Six states have now made it legal for same-sex couples to marry. New York is not one of them. Gov. David Paterson wants the state to guarantee that right, and the protections that come with it, and the Assembly approved legislation legalizing same-sex marriage last month. Malcolm Smith, the leader of the State Senate, insists that he, too, favors marriage for gay couples, but he won’t let a bill go to the floor unless he’s privately lined up enough votes.
It is time for Mr. Smith and his fellow senators to decide this important matter in public.
There are few new arguments to be made behind closed doors. By now, the Senate’s 62 members have heard from every interest group. They know the polls and the politics. They know that New York is lagging behind others — including New Hampshire, where Gov. John Lynch, who had previously defined marriage as strictly between a man and a woman, signed legislation legalizing same-sex marriage on Wednesday.
And if New York’s Assembly is any guide, once the matter comes to the floor, these senators will also recognize that same-sex marriage is a basic civil right that can no longer be denied to the citizens of this state.
Thomas Duane, the lead senator on this bill, argues that ultimately his colleagues will see the issue clearly, both in theory and in their personal experiences. He says that most lawmakers, like most Americans, either have a gay family member or know a gay couple down the street or a gay co-worker in their office or some of the many gay lawyers, doctors, politicians and journalists in their community.
“How can they look these people in the eye and not want to treat them equally?” Mr. Duane said. “How can they look me in the eye?”
Christine Quinn, the speaker of the New York City Council, who also has been in Albany working in favor of the same-sex marriage bill, offers another reason why a public vote is necessary. “History will record what all of us do on this issue,” she said. “This is one of those moments when you should want to be counted.”
New York’s Legislature has about two more weeks left in this year’s session. Its work will not be done until the Senate publicly debates and then votes to legalize same-sex marriage.
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Statement by Governor John Lynch
CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch released the following statement today regarding same-sex legislation in New Hampshire that he signed into law today:
"New Hampshire's great tradition has always been to come down on the side of individual liberties and protections.
"That tradition continues today.
"Two years ago in this room, I signed civil unions into law. That law gave same-sex couples in New Hampshire the rights and protections of marriage. And while civil unions was recognized as a step forward, many same-sex couples made compelling arguments that a separate system is not an equal system.
"They argued that what might appear to be a minor difference in wording to some, lessened the dignity and legitimacy of their families.
"At the same time, the word "marriage" has significant and religious connotations to many of our citizens.
"They had concerns that this legislation would interfere with the ability of religious groups to freely practice their faiths.
"Today, we are standing up for the liberties of same-sex couples by making clear that they will receive the same rights, responsibilities - and respect - under New Hampshire law.
"Today, we are also standing up for religious liberties. This legislation makes clear that we understand that certain faiths do not recognize same-sex marriage, and it protects them from having to participate in marriage-related activities that violate their fundamental religious principles.
"With the signing of this legislation today, New Hampshire will have taken every action possible to ensure that all families have equal rights to the extent that is possible under state law.
"Unfortunately, the federal government does not extend the same rights and protections that New Hampshire provides same-sex families, and that should change.
"Here in New Hampshire, this debate has been filled with passion and emotion on both sides.
"Two years ago, after an equally passionate debate, the people of New Hampshire embraced civil unions as a natural part of New Hampshire's long tradition of opposing discrimination.
"It is my hope, and my belief, that New Hampshire will again come together to embrace tolerance and respect, and to stand against discrimination.
"That has how we in New Hampshire have always lived our lives and that is how we will continue as we move forward.
"Most families in New Hampshire will awaken tomorrow, go to work and to school, and feel no impact from what we have accomplished today.
"But for some, they will awaken tomorrow knowing we have said to them that they are equal, that they have the same rights to live and to love as everyone else.
"Today is a day to celebrate in New Hampshire. Today should not be considered a victory for some and a loss for others.
"Today is a victory for all the people of New Hampshire, who I believe, in our own independent way, want tolerance for all.
"That is truly the New Hampshire way."All Eyes on New Hamsphire !
"Today's the day. New Hampshire will write a chapter in the book of civil rights, or it won't. "
Blue Hamspshire is covering the story.
Stay tuned.
UPDATE:
Marriage equality moves one step closer as the Senate has passed the measure, it is now on the House.
Reminder: This is not the marriage equality bill per se, but rather the companion bill which exempts religious organizations. Governor Lynch has promised to sign the marriage equality bill IF he gets this companion bill simultaneously.
UPDATE 2 !!!!
It is done. VICTORY
All that is left is for Governor Lynch to sign.
Blue Hamspshire is covering the story.
Stay tuned.
UPDATE:
Marriage equality moves one step closer as the Senate has passed the measure, it is now on the House.
Reminder: This is not the marriage equality bill per se, but rather the companion bill which exempts religious organizations. Governor Lynch has promised to sign the marriage equality bill IF he gets this companion bill simultaneously.
UPDATE 2 !!!!
It is done. VICTORY
All that is left is for Governor Lynch to sign.
Deaf Bloggers Unite !
Jamie Burke of Deafness.about.com is asking for our help.
Blogger Matthew reports from the Netflix Annual Shareholder's Meeting:
"I then mentioned Netflix's failure to add captions/subtitles to its online streaming videos. Netflix's "instant play" option doesn't include captions, making its online video option unusable for many users. As a result of not offering captions, Netflix is alienating its hearing-impaired, deaf, and senior citizen customers. According to some estimates, there are 34 million hearing-impaired persons in the United States. One would think Netflix would think better than to alienate such a large customer base."
And Netflix CEO and Founder Reed Hastings, is apparently, very insensitve to our concerns.
As deaf blogger Jared writes:
"I’m sickened at Netflix CEO, Reed Hastings’ attitude towards subtitles and captioning for their portfolio of online movies that can be instantly watched. He claims that it’s too difficult and the technology isn’t here which is the furthest thing from the truth. I’ve been faithful Netflix customer for years and have submitted numerous requests to Netflix customer support pushing for subtitles and captions to be offered as an option. From the Netflix shareholders meeting, it’s apparent that Netflix has no plans to do this and doesn’t care much for the idea that there are many customers who would benefit from the subtitles or captions."
So, as Jamie Burke says, let's get this out through the blogosphere and see if we can get the attention of the mainstream media.
Blogger Matthew reports from the Netflix Annual Shareholder's Meeting:
"I then mentioned Netflix's failure to add captions/subtitles to its online streaming videos. Netflix's "instant play" option doesn't include captions, making its online video option unusable for many users. As a result of not offering captions, Netflix is alienating its hearing-impaired, deaf, and senior citizen customers. According to some estimates, there are 34 million hearing-impaired persons in the United States. One would think Netflix would think better than to alienate such a large customer base."
And Netflix CEO and Founder Reed Hastings, is apparently, very insensitve to our concerns.
As deaf blogger Jared writes:
"I’m sickened at Netflix CEO, Reed Hastings’ attitude towards subtitles and captioning for their portfolio of online movies that can be instantly watched. He claims that it’s too difficult and the technology isn’t here which is the furthest thing from the truth. I’ve been faithful Netflix customer for years and have submitted numerous requests to Netflix customer support pushing for subtitles and captions to be offered as an option. From the Netflix shareholders meeting, it’s apparent that Netflix has no plans to do this and doesn’t care much for the idea that there are many customers who would benefit from the subtitles or captions."
So, as Jamie Burke says, let's get this out through the blogosphere and see if we can get the attention of the mainstream media.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Dick Cheney Said What ?
"Former Vice President Dick Cheney said Monday that he supports gays being able to marry but believes states, not the federal government, should make the decision."I think, you know, freedom means freedom for everyone," Cheney said in a speech at the National Press Club. "I think people ought to be free to enter into any kind of union they wish, any kind of arrangement they wish."
This really is nothing new. Dick Cheney said pretty much the same thing way back in 2000 during the Vice-Presidential debates.
Dick Cheney probably has always believed this, but now that he doesn't have to pander to the ridiculous Religious Right he is free to say what he thinks. Every day now, it seems that that another social conservative is "moderating".
And with New Hampshire on the verge of becoming the sixth state to embace equality, the time is rapidly approaching for the federal governement to end its silence and address equality for all.
It is sad that Barack Obama, our "fierce advocate" can't find the intestinal fortitude to speak up.
But the government is running out of time. Bigotry is getting embarrassing.
This really is nothing new. Dick Cheney said pretty much the same thing way back in 2000 during the Vice-Presidential debates.
Dick Cheney probably has always believed this, but now that he doesn't have to pander to the ridiculous Religious Right he is free to say what he thinks. Every day now, it seems that that another social conservative is "moderating".
And with New Hampshire on the verge of becoming the sixth state to embace equality, the time is rapidly approaching for the federal governement to end its silence and address equality for all.
It is sad that Barack Obama, our "fierce advocate" can't find the intestinal fortitude to speak up.
But the government is running out of time. Bigotry is getting embarrassing.
Monday, June 01, 2009
KnowThyNeighbor.org Partners with WhoSinged.org in Washington State
Washington State’s Ref. 71 Petitioners to Have Names Posted Online
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE:
Seattle, WA, June 1st, 2009 –
WhoSigned.org, a grassroots organization of Washington State residents, announced today that it would make the names of Referendum 71 petitioners looking to overturn the expanded domestic partnership law accessible online. The law would grant same-sex and senior couples (over 62 years of age) in state registered domestic partnerships the same rights as married couples.
The petitioners have until July 25th to collect the necessary 150,721 signatures, a minimum of 120,577 signatures plus a recommended buffer of 25%, to place Referendum 71 on the November 2009 ballot. If they are successful, the new law will not go into effect as expected on July 25th and could be overturned by voters on the November 2009 ballot.
WhoSigned.org will make the petitioners names accessible online once the petition has been verified by the Washington Secretary of State and has become part of the public record.
“This is about taking responsibility,” said WhoSigned.org director Brian Murphy. “Petition signers are choosing to prolong discrimination against fellow citizens who pay taxes, contribute to their community and care for their families. This can’t be allowed to happen in secret and without a frank public discussion. We hope that potential petition signers realize the serious consequences their actions will have on gay and straight couples and their families.”
WhoSigned.org expects Washington State’s pro-equality citizens to use its online tools to find the names of people they know, and talk with those people about the real world impact of their actions. “Conversations like these can be uncomfortable, but they are necessary for people to understand how vital these basic rights and protections are for gay and straight families alike.”
WhoSigned.org was originally formed in response to Referendum 65 which sought to overturn the bill establishing limited domestic partnership rights for same-sex and senior couples in Washington State. Referendum 65 failed to get the required signatures and no names were published online.
WhoSigned.org is partnering with KnowThyNeighbor.org, a national gay rights group that has worked with other grassroots organizations to publish petitioner information in several other states including Massachusetts, Florida, Arkansas, and Oregon.
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE:
Seattle, WA, June 1st, 2009 –
WhoSigned.org, a grassroots organization of Washington State residents, announced today that it would make the names of Referendum 71 petitioners looking to overturn the expanded domestic partnership law accessible online. The law would grant same-sex and senior couples (over 62 years of age) in state registered domestic partnerships the same rights as married couples.
The petitioners have until July 25th to collect the necessary 150,721 signatures, a minimum of 120,577 signatures plus a recommended buffer of 25%, to place Referendum 71 on the November 2009 ballot. If they are successful, the new law will not go into effect as expected on July 25th and could be overturned by voters on the November 2009 ballot.
WhoSigned.org will make the petitioners names accessible online once the petition has been verified by the Washington Secretary of State and has become part of the public record.
“This is about taking responsibility,” said WhoSigned.org director Brian Murphy. “Petition signers are choosing to prolong discrimination against fellow citizens who pay taxes, contribute to their community and care for their families. This can’t be allowed to happen in secret and without a frank public discussion. We hope that potential petition signers realize the serious consequences their actions will have on gay and straight couples and their families.”
WhoSigned.org expects Washington State’s pro-equality citizens to use its online tools to find the names of people they know, and talk with those people about the real world impact of their actions. “Conversations like these can be uncomfortable, but they are necessary for people to understand how vital these basic rights and protections are for gay and straight families alike.”
WhoSigned.org was originally formed in response to Referendum 65 which sought to overturn the bill establishing limited domestic partnership rights for same-sex and senior couples in Washington State. Referendum 65 failed to get the required signatures and no names were published online.
WhoSigned.org is partnering with KnowThyNeighbor.org, a national gay rights group that has worked with other grassroots organizations to publish petitioner information in several other states including Massachusetts, Florida, Arkansas, and Oregon.
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