Marriage News Watch: March 11, 2013

Marriage News Watch: January 27, 2014

Welfare-Drug Testing Program Ruled Unconstitutional

From the New York Times: 

A federal judge on Tuesday struck down as unconstitutional a Florida law that required welfare applicants to undergo mandatory drug testing, setting the stage for a legal battle that could affect similar efforts nationwide.

Judge Mary S. Scriven of the United States District Court in Orlando held that the testing requirement, the signature legislation of Gov. Rick Scott, a Republican who campaigned on the issue, violated the protection against unreasonable searches.

“The court finds there is no set of circumstances under which the warrantless, suspicionless drug testing at issue in this case could be constitutionally applied,” she wrote. The ruling made permanent an earlier, temporary ban by the judge.

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Tuesday’s decision stemmed from a 2011 suit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida and the Florida Justice Institute on behalf of a Central Florida resident, Luis W. Lebron, a Navy veteran and full-time student who had filed for public assistance. Mr. Lebron, who provided care for his disabled mother and was raising a young child as a single father, argued that it was unfair to require drug testing when no suspicion of drug abuse existed.

Given that these bills cost far more money than they save (which is allegedly the reasoning for these bills according to their supporters), I'm not seeing how this is in any way conservative fiscally.

Marriage News Watch: August 19, 2013

"Stand Your Ground" Fails Again

Florida Man Shot By Cops in His Mom's Front Yard

Should This Constitute "Stand Your Ground?"

Kaitlyn Hunt Rejects Plea Deal

From Think Progress: 

Florida teen Kaitlyn Hunt, who has been charged with a felony for having a sexual relationship with her younger girlfriend, has rejected a plea deal that would have included two years of house arrest and having to register as a sex offender. A statement released by her lawyers argued that she is being selectively prosecuted for having been in a same-sex relationship when she turned 18:

Our client is a courageous teenager who is choosing not to accept the current plea offer by the State of Florida. 

This is a situation of two teenagers who happen to be of the same sex involved in a relationship. If this case involved a boy and girl, there would be no media attention to this case. [...] 

If this incident occurred 108 days earlier when she was 17, we wouldn’t even be here. [...] 

Along with Kaitlyn and her family, we are going to fight to have the law changed so no other teenager finds themselves in this same position created by the State of Florida and prosecuted unfairly.

Kaitlyn’s father, Steven Hunt Jr.,  explained this week that the charges seem to stem entirely from the parents of her girlfriend, who knew of the relationship, but waited until Kaitlyn turned 18 to object. According to Hunt, “Kate has offered to permanently cease contact and leave the state if charges are dropped, but that offer has been rejected by the prosecutor and the girlfriend’s parents.”

I am no expert on Florida law, but I think that given what the law in Florida is, the Hunts are looking at an uphill battle. Even though it is clear that the parents of the younger girl only brought this case forward before the courts because of their own anti-gay animus (notice how even though this story has gone viral, those parents have made no public statements), this constitutes a technical violation of the law. This case epitomizes the darkness of the hearts of some and the depths to which they will go in regards to homophobia. I am hoping for the best for the Hunts. It is a damned shame that two people have taken it upon themselves to destroy this girl because of their own prejudices.

Florida Teen Arrested, Expelled for Same-Sex Relationship

From The Advocate:

A sad story is emerging from Florida involving a teen arrested and expelled for a lesbian relationship. 

Kaitlyn Hunt was a popular student at Sebastian River High School, participating in everything from cheerleading to basketball. Hunt began dating another female student and the latter girl's parents became enraged, according to Hunt's parents. Kaitlyn was 17 at the time the relationship began, while her girlfriend was 15. Upon Kaitlyn's 18th birthday, her girlfriend's parents sent the police to the Hunt home and the teenager was arrested. 

Hunt was charged with two felony counts of lewd and lascivious battery on a child. Then, weeks before her graduation, Hunt was expelled from school.

Florida GOP Seeks To Breach 1st Amendment

From The Examiner:

At issue is the language of the [Florida] constitution which currently says:

There shall be no law respecting the establishment of religion or prohibiting or penalizing the free exercise thereof. Religious freedom shall not justify practices inconsistent with public morals, peace or safety. No revenue of the state or any political subdivision or agency thereof shall ever be taken from the public treasury directly or indirectly in aid of any church, sect, or religious denomination or in aid of any sectarian institution.

Republicans would desperately like to change the wording to this:

There shall be no law respecting the establishment of religion or prohibiting or penalizing the free exercise thereof. Religious freedom shall not justify practices inconsistent with public morals, peace, or safety. No individual or entity may be discriminated against or barred from receiving funding on the basis of religious identity or belief.

You will note the language will not be changed to explicitly say "it is legal to spend public money on religious institutions." It adds the word discriminated, which adds no legislative power to the document as discrimination is a subjective term. However, barred is specific. What was illegal before -- spending public money on religious institutions -- will now be legal, if the amendment is passed it will be illegal to make it illegal to stop public money from being spent on religious institutions.

Governor Rick Scott Sinking in Florida

From the Huffington Post:

Most Florida voters, including Republicans, would like to see Gov. Rick Scott (R) challenged in 2014, according to a poll released Wednesday by Quinnipiac University.

More than half of voters said Scott didn't deserve a second term, and 55 percent, including 53 percent of Republicans, wanted another candidate to challenge the governor in a primary. Scott's approval ratings, though improved from 2011, were also underwater.

Voters were more likely than not to say they liked Scott as a person, but just a third said they approved of most of his policies.

"Gov. Rick Scott's ratings with voters are just plain awful. The numbers cannot be sugar-coated," Quinnipiac's assistant director of polling, Peter A. Brown, said, noting that the only silver lining for the GOP was the chance of finding a more electable nominee. "When voters in a politician's own party want him to be challenged in a primary by another candidate, it's difficult to see it as anything but outright rejection."

Florida Republicans Admit to Voter Suppression

From Think Progress:

Wayne Bertsch, who handles local and legislative races for Republicans, said he knew targeting Democrats was the goal. “In the races I was involved in in 2008, when we started seeing the increase of turnout and the turnout operations that the Democrats were doing in early voting, it certainly sent a chill down our spines. And in 2008, it didn’t have the impact that we were afraid of. It got close, but it wasn’t the impact that they had this election cycle,” Bertsch said, referring to the fact that Democrats picked up seven legislative seats in Florida in 2012 despite the early voting limitations.

Another GOP consultant, who did not want to be named, also confirmed that influential consultants to the Republican Party of Florida were intent on beating back Democratic turnout in early voting after 2008.

[...]A GOP consultant who asked to remain anonymous out of fear of retribution said black voters were a concern. “I know that the cutting out of the Sunday before Election Day was one of their targets only because that’s a big day when the black churches organize themselves,” he said.

This information comes to us by a report from the Palm Beach Post, where you can read more about Florida Republicans suppressing the state's voters.

Election 2012: Allen West is a Liar

From The New Civil Rights Movement:

Allen West, the Tea Party Republican U.S. Congressman from Florida is claiming that his Democratic opponent — who has never served in Congress — cut Medicare by $700 billion. West, who is a documented liar, is so desperate that he’s willing to actually run an ad that claims Patrick Murphy cut Medicare.

~

As it turns out, Patrick Murphy released a statement in response:

“Congressman West has completely disregarded the truth in his latest attack ad by claiming that Patrick Murphy cut Medicare by $700 billion.  First of all, Patrick has never voted for anything in Congress since he has yet to be elected.  West also fails to mention that he voted for the Ryan Plan twice, which takes the same $716 billion from Medicare as the Affordable Care Act, but instead of addressing overpayments, the Ryan Plan uses the $716 billion for tax breaks for millionaires,” said Murphy for Congress communications director Erin Moffet. “The truth of the matter is, the only candidate in this race who has ever cast a vote in Congress is Allen West – and his votes have continually put the interests of millionaires and billionaires over the interests of seniors and middle class Americans. The lies in this latest ad show West’s desperation to hide the fact that he has voted twice to cut Medicare and turn it into a voucher program.”

If I were Patrick Murphy, I would release an ad calling West's claim exactly what it is: an outright lie. Something to the tune of, "My opponent says that I voted to cut over $700 billion from Medicare. I'm not sure how this is possible given that I have never actually served in Congress. Unfortunately, my opponent, Allen West, has chosen not to give the voters of the district the actual facts." Allen West just gave Patrick Murphy tons of ammunition with which to fight back. I certainly hope that Murphy has the good sense to go after West with everything he has (including West's dubious military record).

Election 2012: More Swing State Poll Numbers

From Politico:

Mr. Obama holds a 10-point lead in Ohio among those who say they will definitely vote, a lead propelled by a 25-point advantage among women. Romney holds an 8-point lead among men. The president holds a 35-point edge among voters under 35 years old, and a 5-point lead among those ages 35-64; the two candidates are effectively tied among Ohio seniors. Sixty-two percent of Ohio likely voters say the auto bailout, which had a significant impact on the state's economy, was a success, while just 30 percent say it was a failure. Both candidates will campaign in Ohio Wednesday; the president led Romney by six points in the state last month.

In Florida, Mr. Obama's edge over Romney has risen from three points before the political conventions to nine points today. His gains are due to improved performance among women, white voters and seniors. Nearly half of Florida Democrats now say they are more enthusiastic about voting than in the past - up from 24 percent at the start of August, and only slightly less than the percentage of Florida Republicans who are more enthusiastic. Two in three Florida likely voters support the DREAM Act policies put in place by the president to allow young illegal immigrants who came to the country as children to obtain work permits and not face deportation.

The Wrap-Up: June 12, 2012

Governor Rick Scott (R-FL) is suing the federal government (the Department of Homeland Security to be specific) so he can continue his purging of the Florida voting rolls.

American Crossroads, a conservative Super PAC run by Karl Rove, showed an utter lack of class by insulting a man for having a stroke while driving.

One Millions Moms has returned to Facebook...unfortunately.

Seriously? The Romney strategy for winning this campaign is saying America needs fewer teachers? Is he trying to hand Obama the election?

Stories like this, the murder of a 4 year old for "acting gay" (as well as a 28 year old being killed) are why I have a tendency to lose faith in humanity. The perp's justification: God. This is what religion-fueled bigotry, hate, and discrimination will get you.

The Texas state Republican Party has decided to not try to criminalize homosexuality. Don't worry, they're still against marriage equality.

Showing how little they know about Christianity, a group of Catholic bishops are trying to breath new life into Uganda's "Kill the Gays" bill.

In news that doesn't surprise me even one little bit, the Koch brothers have been linked to the voter purge in Florida.

Former Governor Jeb Bush (R-FL) continues to contrast himself against much of the GOP leadership that exists today saying that good gay parents should be seen as positive examples.

Ties are strengthening between the LGBT community and racial minority communities in the fight for equal rights for all people.

And lastly, the Pennsylvania state Democratic party passed a resolution endorsing marriage equality and will support equality at the national convention, as have the Montana and Texas Democratic parties.

The Wrap-Up: June 8, 2012

Denmark has become the eleventh nation to legalize marriage equality. So, about America and that whole "land of the free" schtick...

President Obama is, finally, drawing a line in the sand on the Bush tax cuts.

A group of House Democrats have proposed an almost $10 minimum wage. I'm sure the Republicans will line up to support this...right?

Did you know that the reason people are on welfare is because they don't read the Bible? No surprise, the guy who said this is, indeed, a RWNJ by the name of David Barton.

The Boy Scouts have no current intentions of ending their ban on gay members/leaders. So always be prepared to be homophobic is their new motto...which is very unfortunate.

In a blatant affront to the separation of church and state, over 100,000 elementary students will be taught about killing non-believers from the Bible. I guess the Constitution no longer matters to some folks.

Florida Governor Rick Scott is now openly defying the United States Department of Justice and going ahead with his voter purge.

A Florida Republican election county supervisor is defying Governor Scott's efforts to purge the voting rolls, showing that there may yet be hope for that party.

Four more members of President Obama's cabinet have endorsed marriage equality.

And lastly, the case for the success of the 2009 stimulus package.

The Wrap-Up: June 7, 2012

Wondering why you should care about the Wisconsin recall election if you live outside of that state? There are definitely many reasons why we should ALL care.

Miss Pennsylvania USA resigned over the Miss Universe Organization's apparent support of transgender candidates. Between her, Rick Santorum, and the Philadelphia Eagles, that state is looking less and less pleasant.

Short of stories that include suicide, this is probably the worst bullying story I have heard, in part, because it was also the school system bullying the student and their family.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is saying that it is more likely that someone will be struck by lightning than it is for voter fraud to take place in the state, contrary to the statements of Governor Rick Scott.

Even though the USDoJ has ordered Governor Scott to end the purge, Scott would rather have a showdown on the issue (the deadline to respond to the DoJ's order was yesterday).

Republicans have learned nothing from the assassination attempt against Rep. Gabby Giffords as another gun oriented ad pops up (and it has nothing to do with the NRA).

Yet another federal judge has ruled that the so-called Defense of Marriage Act, specifically article 3, is unconstitutional. House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) is spending lots of tax-payer dollars to defend this discriminatory law and not getting much bang for his our buck.

The state of California will be investigating the National Organization for Marriage Discrimination over allegedly breaking campaign finance laws. You can thank Fred Karger for this.

And lastly, there will be a live stream tonight at 6PM of a debate between Maggie Gallagher (co-founder of the National Organization for Marriage Discrimination) and John Corvino (associate professor of philosophy at Wayne State University)

The Wrap-Up: May 30, 2012

Apparently black people started what has since become Memorial Day. You're welcome for the long weekend folks.

While making a Memorial Day speech, Senator John McCain (R-AZ) was heckled by a protester. I'm no fan of McCain for the most part, but there are times when he says things worthy of being heckled...and this was one of those times.

Tea Party darling Rep. Allen West (R-FL) has praised elements of the Affordable Care Act (aka "Obamacare"), meaning he probably won't be a Tea Party darling for long.

A Minnesota pastor may lose his church because he supports marriage equality. Of course this is happening at the same time that other churches who are using their pulpits to gather money to fight marriage equality retain their tax exempt status. Where is the justice in this?

A Florida high school is under investigation after a straight student attempted suicide because of anti-gay bullying (the state has an anti-bullying law that may have been ignored).

One of the victims of Florida's voting purge: a veteran of the Battle of the Bulge.

The European Union adopted a resolution condemning anti-gay laws in the continent. Hopefully Russia (among other countries) is paying attention.

The Boy Scouts will receive a petition some 275,000 signatures strong supporting a den mother who was ousted from her position solely because she is a lesbian.

And lastly, Liberty Council's Matt Barber thinks it is offensive and demeaning the the NAACP (the nation's oldest civil right organization) supports equal rights for ALL Americans.

The Wrap-Up: May 28, 2012

Bedford County, Virginia

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!!! While you're out grilling and enjoying the day off, take some time to remember what this holiday is truly about.

The House Republican's Summer wish list read like a how to of taking the country back into recession.

A ballooning Hispanic population may turn North Carolina into a long term swing state.

Perhaps all is not lost with the Republican party as at least GOP candidates are refusing to sign "the pledge." Grover Norquist can't be happy about this, which means it must be a good thing.

When it comes to voting and voting rights, it's all but official that Florida is the worst state in the country.

Monument Terrace in Lynchburg, Virgina

Kansas is the latest state to freak out over the non-existent Sharia Law threat.

In the past two weeks, over 300,000 people have thanked President Barack Obama for his public support marriage equality. I wonder if the opposition even bothered trying a counter petition this time (like their Starbucks failure).

Governor Scott Walker's (R-WI) recall opponent, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett (D), took him to task on a number of issues face-to-face.

And lastly, after saying he had never been to the home of a same-sex married couple in a resent interview, Tony Perkins has been offered an invitation. A response is pending (which I can't wait to hear about).

The Wrap-Up: May 25, 2012

President Obama is making a significant push for the LGBT vote.

New York state is considering a ban on anonymous internet comments. I suggest they familiarize themselves with the a little thing I like to all freedom of speech

There a Catholic group that is (vainly) attempting to de-gay men by using sports. I'm no prophet, but I see failure as being imminent (for that matter, it might just confirm to these guys that they're gay).

A New Jersey mayor was caught (allegedly) hacking into the website of an organization seeking to recall him. I'm guessing this guy is unfamiliar with Watergate.

Mitt Romney received a less than warm welcome when he went to an inner-city charter school yesterday.

Rep Ted Deutch (D-FL) thinks that Gov Rick Scott (R-FL) is attempting to purge the state's voting rolls by up to 180,000 voters. Given what I have heard about Scott, I would not put this past him, especially as this seems to be a GOP theme.

The new Prime Minister if France is making some big promises to the French gay community.

I think Newt Gingrich was running for president of the wrong country.

While many are saying that President Obama's support of marriage equality is pretty much a wash, the evidence speaks to the contrary,

And lastly, another Palin related fail.