Reparative Therapy Ban Introduced in New York

From Gay RVA: 

Two New York City state lawmakers on Friday introduced a bill that seeks to ban the controversial practice of gay-to-straight “conversion” therapy, also known as reparative therapy. 

The measure, introduced by state Sen. Brad Hoylman (D-Manhattan) and Rep. Deborah Glick (D-Manhattan), would bar mental health providers from trying to change the sexual orientation of anyone under the age of 18, and is modeled after a similar measure in California. 

Hoylman, the state senate’s only openly gay lawmaker, said the controversial treatment is not good for the individual or society. 

“It not only is impossible, but it is detrimental to young people to attempt to convert them,” he said. “It also increases the stigma in society and creates a culture of unacceptance for young gay and lesbian people.”

Thousands Still Powerless After Hurricane Sandy

House GOP Leadership Fails on Hurricane Sandy Aid

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.

The Wrap-Up: May 11, 2012

Marriage equality opponents in Washington state have said they have almost half of the signatures needed to put marriage equality on the ballot.

Here are some...not so nice...reactions to President Obama's announcement supporting marriage equality.

House Speaker John "cry me a river" Boehner wants the President to focus on jobs, not marriage equality. Keep in mind Boehner is using taxpayer dollars to defend DoMA in the courts. Hypocrisy much?

What might this announcement say about the President's election strategy going forward?

One of the New York GOP state senators who voted for the state's marriage equality bill has announced he will not run for reelection.

It is now pretty clear why Mitt Romney has not lifted a finger against bullies: they are his people.

Here is little more on Romney's history with bullying.

Remember me saying I thought the Democratic Party most likely would not move the national convention out of North Carolina? Well, here are some reasons I may have been wrong.

And lastly, here is what people on the street had to say about President Obama's recent announcement:

The Wrap-Up: February 16, 2012

When it comes to this recent argument over contraception, the GOP is (yet again) out of touch with most Americans...and most Catholics.

"Doctor" Keith Ablow (a psychological contributor for Fox) makes a judgement call on Media Matters founder David Brock. I wonder how much time the "doctor" spent with Brock to make this diagnosis.

As Freedom to Marry calls on the Democratic Party platform to embrace fulls LGBT equality (including marriage), Nancy Pelosi shows her support.

A committee in the New Mexico state House had a very disappointing way of celebrating Valentine's Day.

Virginia's drunk drivers are in the legislature's cross-hairs.

While I'm on the Commonwealth, some same-sex couples in the Virginia see reasons for optimism.

The most homophobic member of the New York state legislature may be seeking a seat in the House of Representatives.

Liebes Deutschland, YOU'RE WELCOME. Love, English-speakers.

A Civil Unions bill is advancing through the Colorado legislature.

And lastly, this didn't make the television broadcast at the Grammys (commercial break), but here is Adele's epic (and melodic) take-down of Newt Gingrich. Thank God her throat surgery went well or this may not have happened.

The Wrap-Up: January 19, 2012

Karen & Rick Santorum

Lots of internet sites went dark yesterday, including Wikipedia, in protest of SOPA and PIPA.

I get that Karen Santorum wants to defend her husband (against the big bad gays), but this probably will backfire (if it hasn't already).

Michigan Democrats have a plan to address higher education in the state.

Jerry Springer

I feel like I have heard this repeatedly over the last few months, but Congressional approval has hit an all-time low (again).

As New Jersey moves to enact marriage equality, Garden State Equality is looking for witnesses to testify before a legislative committee.

Yesterday morning, Jerry Springer called out "Fox & Friends" on-air on their partisanship.

Scott Walker has a second  Democratic challenger.

The state of Washington has officially introduced a marriage equality bill into the legislature.

Mayor Jerry Sanders of San Diego

The four New York Senate Republicans who voted in favor of marriage equality are seeing a promise kept. Republican legislators in Washington should take note of this.

The United Kingdom's Deputy Prime Minister has responded to a conservative uprising regarding the nation's move to enact marriage equality.

A delay in the effort to overturn marriage equality in New Hampshire may be a very good sign.

The mayors of many of America's largest cities are sounding the call for marriage equality.

And lastly, tonight will see another GOP debate, this one aired on CNN at 8 PM. I'm enough of a political nerd that I haven't really gotten tired of these yet.

The Wrap-Up: January 4, 2012

Romney managed to win the Iowa Caucuses by a mere 8 votes more than #2 Santorum. Ron Paul was in third place, and Huntsman was in last place.

Rick Santorum further guts the idea of small-government conservatism thinking states have the right to bar birth-control.

In lighter Santorum news, given his Google problem, this "endorsement" is just really unfortunate...and hilarious.

God has told Pat Robertson who the next President will be. He also told us that we should beware false prophets.

Senator John Thune

A fact check on the jobs numbers Mitt Romney has used for himself (and against President Obama) doesn't look to kindly on Romney.

Newt Gingrich, in a CBS interview, pretty much called Romney a liar. Personally, I have three words for Newt: pot, kettle, and black.

Senator John Thune (R-SD) is under the impression that Mitt Romney is not a part of the 1%. I'm sure it's just an honest mistake. It's not like he's biased and supporting Romney...right?

It's amazing how given all of the anti-gay things Michele Bachmann has said and continues to say, it's only when the media asks her face-to-face that she shies away from these issues and calls it a "gotcha" question. Since when is confronting someone about their record bizarre?

Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA)

While House Majority Leader Eric Cantor is staunchly against marriage equality, the same can't be said for his wife. This seems like a running trend for wives of GOP husbands (like Cindy McCain and Laura Bush).

Speaking of Eric Cantor, he and his spokesman are in deep need of a history lesson when it comes to Ronald Reagan and taxes.

Rick Santorum earlier said that the way out of poverty is marriage. If so, New York is on the right path...thanks to marriage equality.

And lastly, here is a photo that I'm sure Papa McCain is none too fond of.

The Wrap-Up: December 27, 2011

Governor Rick Snyder (R-MI)

That endorsement that Rick Santorum got from an Iowa conservative leader may have been bought...because that is what God would do I suppose.

Governor Rick Snyder (R-MI) makes it clear that he does not care about the health of the LGBT community.

Across the border in Minnesota, Governor Mark Dayton had something to say about the "sanctity of marriage" hypocrisy in that states' legislature (the state has a proposed constitutional marriage equality ban on the ballot next November).

If you're wondering what exactly they're talking about, this article gives you the low-down, as well as a reaction from Minnesota's LGBT community on the second page (which is pretty awesome).

Congressman Eric Cantor (R-VA)

If marriage equality existed throughout this nation, heartless stories like this would not happen.

Though it may not pass (and even if it does, it's a half measure), a West Virginia delegate is taking a shot at passing a civil unions bill in the coming year.

There are some not-so-good polling numbers coming out of Virginia for Eric Cantor (a Virginia congressman and the House's #2 Republican).

The New York Republican Senators who voted in favor of marriage equality there have received mainly positive feedback.

John Lawrence, as in "Lawrence v. Texas" (which in 2003 ruled that anti-sodomy laws in the U.S are unconstitutional) passed away this past Friday.

Newt Gingrich

Mitt Romney falsely claims that the Obama administration has not created any jobs. Then again, he also falsely claimed that corporations are people, so his "facts" are less than stellar.

Australian psychologists, just like their American counterparts, agree that access to marriage equality leads to better mental health outcomes. 20,000 shrinks can't be wrong.

Newt Gingrich may have gotten caught in another lie. One would think he would get tired of this...

And lastly, here is a clip of Ron Paul discussing some of his fellow candidates on Jay Leno.

The Wrap-Up: November 30, 2011

Today is the last day of Hurricane Season.

While the vast majority of us respect our military men and women, it looks like some banks have no problem taking their homes right from under them...and illegally so.

Herman Cain's (alleged) scandal are costing him in the polls and elsewhere.

A Maryland legislator is blaming her indictment on...wait for it...THE GAYS!!!

There is at least some good jobs news...at least for the auto-industry.

Andrew Sullivan

There may also be some wider good news on the jobs front.

 Conservative commentator/blogger Andrew Sullivan has some choice words for Republicans and conservatives.

A lawsuit against New York's marriage equality bill may proceed in court.

Despite his new place at/near the top of the polls, there are still some who have it in for Newt Gingrich.

Speaking of Newt, in news that surprises no one, he supports majority tyranny.

Governor Mark Dayton (D-MN)

Did the Occupy Movement get the GOP to buckle on extending the payroll tax cut?

The Pennsylvania legislator who tried to rig his state's electoral vote may try a run for U.S. Senate.

Minnesota's Governor has stepped his state into the fight against the bullying epidemic.

And lastly, Brian Williams shows his classic grace in strange circumstances.

The Wrap-Up: November 14, 2011

John Aravosis

Those assaults against LGBT youth in Ohio weren't isolated incidents. The state's schools have a higher anti-gay bias than the national average.

John Aravosis asks whether the Catholic Church is really fighting about religious freedom or just power/money. We all know the answer, but it's still a good read.

St. Petersburg, Russia is considering a law so rabidly homophobic in so many ways, it's hard to fathom that it didn't come from Bryan Fischer.

Did you know that homosexuality is a gateway drug?

GQ interviewed Herman Cain. Disaster ensued...

Chelsea Clinton

With only days left for the Congressional Super Committee to come up with a plan, things aren't looking that great.

Brad Pitt put a death-clock on his acting career.

I guess Chelsea Clinton really has grown up.

President Obama's main legislative victory, the affordable care act, is going to be reviewed by the Supreme Court.

There is tons of work to do to fight Minnesota's anti-marriage equality amendment.

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the news Republican "Flavor of the Week," NEWT GINGRICH!!!

There is a serious conflict of interest in the court case against scum-of the Earth-pedophile Jerry Sandusky.

Ruben Diaz

In last week's DoMA hearings, some GOP senators stated that giving benefits to same-sex couples is too expensive, ignoring the obvious fact that those same benefits are costing far more in going to the far more numerous opposite-sex couples.

Sometimes, you just have to revel in irony, especially when it's against New York state senator Ruben Diaz.

Election Day Highlights

It as an eventful Election Day and a good one for progressives Americans. Though it wasn't a shutout, there were many notable victories and loses.

-The Iowa states Senate maintained a pro-marriage equality majority despite money pumped into a special election by the National Organization for Marriage

-The anti-labor bill in Ohio which restricted collective bargaining rights was defeated by Ohioans.

-The Virginia state Senate is in limbo, hinging on less than 100 votes in the district 17 race (this is why every vote does in fact, count). However, the state elected its first openly gay senator Adam Ebbin.

-The New York clerk who refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples was re-elected.

-A personhood measure (which would have defined a human being as from conception or the functional equivalent thereof) was defeated in Mississippi.

-A number of cities elected their first openly gay council members including Charlotte, NC, Cincinnati, OH, Missoula, MT, and Indianapolis, IN.

-Openly gay Houston mayor Annise Parker won re-election by 51% avoiding a runoff election.

-Massachusetts elected America's youngest gay mayor Alex Morse of Holyoke, age 22.

-Traverse City, Michigan voted to retain an LGBT-iclusive non-discrimination policy.

Tool Time Award: Rabbi Yehuda Levin

Marriage News Watch: August 1, 2011

Marriage in New York: Backlash

The two main problems Gallagher faces:

-Money. She says NOM has pledged $2 million to defeat the Senate Republicans who voted for marriage equality as well as the Senate Democrats that flipped from no to yes on equality. However, it has been reported that money is flowing into the coffers of these Senators already, including lots of money from NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Which will outweigh which only time will tell.

-Time. It is not on NOM's side. Gallagher mentioned that there is a 4 year plan to reverse marriage equality in New York. Trends have shown that in virtually every demographic, people have found gay rights, up to and including marriage equality, more agreeable. There is no reason to believe that this trend will change in the foreseeable future. The more time that passes, the less likely it is that NOM's plan will successfully come to fruition.

Marriage in New York: A Spectrum of Reaction

Some people denounced it, some supported it. Some were personal, some were political. The best made jokes. Reactions are literally all over the place on Twitter (and elsewhere) after the passage of marriage equality in New York

Marriage in New York: Why This One Mattered

-Four Senate Republicans broke ranks to join all (but one) Democrats in supporting marriage equality. Even in the face of a threat from the (so-called) National Organization for Marriage, these four Republican Senators voted to make the Empire State a progressive and inclusive state.

-The effort to sway the New York Senate was not just from the political left but also from large donors on the political right (and no, I'm not just talking about the Log Cabin Republicans, a conservative gay organization).

-Under New York law, there is no way a ballot measure can be proposed. In other words, no Proposition 8-type situation.

-The New York legislation does not have a residence requirement. In other words, same-sex couples from all over the nation can come to New York to be married.

-New York is the most populous state to have enacted marriage equality. In fact, when the law goes into effect in 30 days, the number of people living in marriage equality states will double.

-The New York legislature attempted passing this three previous times. The fourth time being victorious goes to show that persistence and being steadfast in the face of opposition can yield positive results.

-The pro-equality forces won rights for their friends, family and community members. What did the other side lose? Absolutely nothing.

Also, I just found some video Such Is Life posted on their YouTube account. I loved every second of it.

Marriage in New York: To the Governor's Desk

VICTORY!!! 33-29!!!

30 days after Governor Cuomo signs the bill, same-sex couples will be able to legally marry in New York. This vote comes just in time for Pride Weekend in New York. It is time to celebrate. However, we should all keep in mind that this was a victorious battle, but the fight for equal rights will continue on all over the nation. This is no time to rest on this victory. We must keep pushing the nation forward to full equality. Keep on fighting the good fight. Like the song says, "Let us march on 'til victory is won."

Also, aren't you happy you don't have to hear the likes of Bryan Fischer and Tony Perkins bragging about their side winning? Thank the good Lord for that.

Marriage in New York: The Book of Love

I remember after the Proposition 8 vote in California in 2008 when Keith Olbermann, then on MSNBC, made a statement condemning those who voted/campaigned in favour of the discriminatory measure. It was a very strong statement and I agreed with pretty much every word of it. Now it is three years later. Olbermann has since left MSNBC but has recently debuted a show on Current TV. While his network affiliation may have changed, his support for marriage equality and his penchant for strong statements certainly have not. If there is any reason that I am glad Keith Olbermann is back on television, this clip is it.

Marriage in New York: Black Balled

Marriage equality in the Empire State is still in limbo. We still do not know when/if the bill will come to a vote. What we do know is that one of the main holdouts, Senator Gregg Ball, who has long been (at least publicly) on the fence, has come out as a "No" vote on marriage equality. This decision, as he says, comes because there were certain religious exemptions that were not included in the bill. Even though I'm sure many hoped that he would be the one to tip the balance in the New York State Senate, I am hearing that no one is particularly surprised by this outcome.

That is one thing. However, what has happened in less than a day after this decision was made public is quite another. It is being reported that Senator Ball is blocking and deleting messages on Twitter (maybe elsewhere as well) who have been supporting marriage equality. Were we merely talking about someone just voting against marriage equality, that would be bad enough. However, this censorship shows a very distasteful attitude that the Senator has. He is being taking to task by his constituents (and others) which is something that all elected officials must do. It's a very "if you can't stand the heat..." type of situation. If he can not take the criticism of the way he will vote, then perhaps he needs to re-evaluate the way he intends to vote...or maybe he should resign if can't take the rigors of the job.

In response to this, a FaceBook group was started to voice, at the very least, displeasure in the actions of Senator Ball.