Are Mandatory Trans-vaginal Probes Rape? Yes!!!

Wisconsin to Import Virginia's Transvaginal Mandate

From Think Progress: 

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) has thrown his support behind an anti-abortion measure that’s currently moving through the state legislature, saying he will sign the bill into law if it makes it to his desk. SB 206 would require women to undergo an ultrasound before getting an abortion — which would mandate an invasive transvaginal probe for some of the women who seek early abortions in their first trimester — and force one of the state’s last abortion clinics to close its doors.

“I don’t have any problem with ultrasound,” Walker told reporters on Tuesday in Milwaukee. “I think most people think ultrasounds are just fine.” 

Forced ultrasound bills mandate a medically unnecessary procedure that would otherwise be left up to the discretion of a woman and her doctor. Medical experts, including the largest national group representing thousands of OB-GYNs across the country, are opposed to this type of legislation because they say it interferes with their work and compromises their relationships with patients. “All of a sudden, the Senate is full of doctors,” Wisconsin Sen. Tim Cullen (D) said in reference to SB 206′s advancement. 

And, even though the lawmakers who push for mandatory ultrasound measures sometimesdeny it, these laws also require many women to undergo an invasive transvaginal probe. Before 12 weeks of pregnancy, a transvaginal ultrasound is the only way to detect a clear image— and, since the vast majority of women in the United States seek abortion services in their first trimester, those women must submit to an invasive probe in order to comply with these burdensome laws. Over the past year, reproductive rights advocates have repeatedly decried transvaginal ultrasound laws as “state sponsored rape.”

GOP Governor Caught in a Lie

The Wrap-Up: June 27, 2012

After winning his recall election, Gov Scott Walker wants to take his message across the nation. It sucks that that nation is the U.S. though.

Anti-gay "scientists" may have coordinated a pair of "studies" for the sake of election year politics. Oh, and then there's the fact that these "studies" are filled with bogus information funded by NOM. Looks like someone has been caught in a lie.

People can change their perspectives even when those perspectives are firmly ingrained. Unfortunately, sometimes, it takes a tragedy for that change to occur.

Everything is bigger in Texas. Unfortunately, that includes the crazy in the state's Republicans.

A congressional candidate from Washington state wants marriage equality enshrined in the United States Constitution, or he's just trying to get headlines. Either way, it's a great idea.

A Tennessee politician that says it IS okay to say gay? What a novel idea.

The Supreme Court is expected to announce its decision on the individual mandate section of the Affordable Care Act (aka "Obamacare") on Thursday.

Need some stripping advice? Just ask Matt Bomer and Joe Manganiello.

And lastly, you can sign a petition thanking General Mills for supporting marriage equality and denouncing Minnesota's proposed anti-marriage equality amendment.

The Wrap-Up: June 19, 2012

After winning his recall vote two weeks ago, Gov. Scott Walker (R-WI) officially has someone riding his coat-tails: Mitt Romney.

For those who were angry about Dharun Ravi ONLY getting 30 days in jail for his actions against Tyler Clementi, I suggest you take a deep breath before reading this article.

Here is one way to help close the budget gap: stop subsidizing religious organizations (which is also probably unconstitutional) to the tune of $71,000,000,000 per year. That and big oil subsidies.

Mitt Romney, flexing his conservative credentials, refuses to compromise.

Not only does Romney refuse to compromise, he also refuses to detail his plans for America.

As President Obama prepares for the Autumn debates, his Romney stand-in will be Massachusetts senior Senator John Kerry.

Campaign finance is one of those rare issues on which I agree with John McCain.

I like to think that the fact that Indiana Republicans are uninterested in having "protecting traditional marriage" in their platform is indicative of how "protecting marriage" from the big bad gays is an increasingly losing electoral battle.

And lastly, LZ Granderson tells us what the gay agenda is really about.

The Wrap-Up: June 6, 2012

Today is the 68th anniversary of the D-Day landings on the beaches of Normandy.

As of when I'm writing this, the Koch Brothers Citizens United Scott Walker won the Wisconsin recall election. He does still have some nagging legal issues to get sorted out.

Senate Republicans are blocking an equal pay law via filibuster, thus showing that A) filibuster reform is a must and B) Republicans think women don't deserve equality.

A nun who has voiced support for marriage equality has been denounced by a bunch of people that shield pedophiles from the rule of law the Vatican.

Another school district has failed another child who was the victim of malicious bullying because his peers thought he was gay (silver lining: there was no suicide in this story).

A New Jersey doctor denied an HIV+ man from access to his medication, which could have made him resistant to the medication. It would be a crime for this doctor's license was left intact.

Davis, California created its own currency, and apparently they aren't the only place in the States to have done so.

Romney has zero room to talk about the Obama administration and Solyndra. He has his own solar issues.

Proposition 8 supporters have lost yet another court decision.

And lastly, the self-marriage trend.

The Wrap-Up: June 5, 2012

Today, Wisconsinites will decide if Gov Scott Walker is worthy of remaining the state's governor.

Texas is giving Florida a run for its money when it comes to purging eligible voters from the rolls.

The Republican Party of North Carolina has enshrined homophobia into its official platform. This state is regressing back into the 50's.

Mitt Romney's senior campaign adviser says that women's issues are merely political distractions, which makes sense because a mere 50% of the populace is female.

Rick Santorum has some really big news coming up late this week. I can only hope it's that he's unblocking me on Twitter.

It's really sad that courts have to rule on whether or not "gay" constitutes slander, but they do.

A judge in St. Petersburg, Russia ruled that bans on gay events are unlawful.

Hundreds of Mormons from "Mormons Building Bridges" marched in Utah's Gay Pride Parade.

And lastly, it looks like the GOP is looking for a major image update. Personally, I suggest they start by getting rid of Boehner and Cantor.

The Wrap-Up: May 31, 2012

Gov. Rick Scott (R-FL)

Conservative/Republican Super PACs are planning a $1,000,000,000 assault on the Obama administration between now and the November elections.

Despite the extremely un-American moves being made in Florida on voting rights, it seems like the mainstream media is turning a blind eye.

With Wisconsin's gubernatorial recall election this coming Tuesday, someone on Scott Walker's side is playing some dirty (and illegal) tricks.

The looming problem for the Republican party (as I have mentioned before) is the growing power of Latinos...and how poorly the GOP has treated them..

Gov. Bob McDonnell (R-VA)

Currently, there are six states plus D.C. that have marriage equality. Compare that to the states where you can marry your first cousin (SPOILER: eww...).

A Missouri senate candidate doesn't want citizens to be able to vote for him. Maybe the people should take his advice and just not vote for him. Everybody wins that way!

Has Governor Bob McDonnell (R-VA) opposed judicial nominees for being gay? Stammering usually implies guilt and a poorly attempted cover-up. Just sayin...

California is closer to protecting against reparative "therapy." I seriously hope other states take up this call given the damage this "therapy" is shown to cause to its victims.

And lastly, A Texas judge is, well, not a good judge (to put it nicely).

Since today is my birthday, I won't be spending too much time working on the blog and there won't be a Wrap-Up tomorrow.

The Wrap-Up: May 17, 2012

There are many ideas of what the Bible says about homosexuality. Here is what one ordained priest/theologian has to say on the matter (SPOILER ALERT: it isn't what you think).

George W. Bush will be writing a book on economic growth...because his administration was so goo at it, we're still reaping the benefits of it. Oh, wait...

In news that surprises no one, the American Family Discrimination Association thinks that all Americans being treated equally under the law is like cancer.

When Governor Scott Walker (R-WI) didn't like the U.S government's job numbers on Wisconsin, Walker decided to create his own numbers. There's being innovative, and then there's just plain making crap up. Walker chose the latter here.

Proof of Mitt Romney's fiscal conservatism: in 2007 (i.e. when he was Governor of Massachusetts), the state had the highest per capita debt in the country.

The version of the Violence Against Women Act passed in the GOP-led House was watered-down so badly, that a sexist national men's group (the National Coalition For Men) endorsed it. Luckily, the bill faces a presidential veto threat.

World famous boxer Manny Pacquiao would like to clarify his statement against marriage equality. I guessing the clarification will fall on deaf ears.

Is the filibuster even constitutional?

And lastly, a rundown of conservative boycotts that either haven't worked, or have actually backfired. Ah, the perils of zealotry.

The Wrap-Up: April 30, 2012

In news that makes me happy I didn't go to a religious school, a student is being kept from graduating from Bob Jones University because he was caught watching Glee.

Here is the rundown of what you need to know about CISPA (which passed in the House and, as reported earlier, faces a veto threat from President Obama).

Wondering what the Tea Party is up to?

The price of homophobia keeps getting tragically higher.

Some Wisconsinites need to pick their heroes more carefully.

Here in Virginia's Senate race, former Governor Tim Kaine is relying very much on former Governor (and current Senator) Mark Warner in his fight against former Governor (and former Senator) George Allen.

The fact that violence against women was such a partisan issue does not speak well for the Republican Party.

And lastly, with their secrecy exposed, ALEC may be on the brink of destruction. One can only hope.

The Wrap-Up: February 29, 2012

Some Pennsylvanians are looking to make a little history.

18 University of Virginia students are trying to make a statement by going on a hunger strike.

How rich is Mitt Romney? Apparently rich enough to afford a time machine.

Perhaps Scott Walker and his people should get better at time management.

This pastor vastly overstepped his bounds and may be screwed as a result. That's what happens when one let's their zealotry go unchecked.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)

As Rick Santorum accuses President Obama of a "phony theology," he should take a very long look in the mirror.

Speaking of religion, what ever happened to President Obama's faith council?

Not just ONE, but TWO of Obama's re-election co-chairs announced today that they are in favor of including marriage equality on the Democratic party's platform.

And lastly, here are Mitt Romney's 10 most out of touch moments of the campaign (so far).

The Wrap-Up: February 17, 2012

President Obama's numbers are headed back into positive territory.

Speaking of Obama, here is a look at what his budget may do for American jobs. Republicans, no doubt, will try to keep this from happening in their infinite "wisdom."

Here's a sneak peek into a Santorum presidency (it's looking pretty messy).

Another "Kill the Gays" bill is set to strike an African country.

Good ol' Chris Christie, staying classy as always.

Even though the House had a hearing on contraception, guess who was left off of the panel...

Things are looking increasingly bleak for Gov. Scott Walker (R-WI), and I'm not just to talking about the effort to recall him (though there's that too).

A high school football player tells of his experience of being a gay teenager in rural America.

It's really amazing how  Mitt Romney has done a complete 180 on such a range of issues, including Planned Parenthood.

Pat Buchanan is officially off of MSNBC. It certainly rook them long enough, now for Tony Perkins...

And lastly, Jon Stewart has a go at Liz Trotta (who said on Fox that military women should expect to be raped).

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 18, 2012

Pastor Rick Warren

In an effort to keep Mitt Romney from the GOP nomination, Christian conservatives have found a candidate to support.

I had previously posted a video of Bryan Fischer (from the so-called American Family Association) where he pretty much outed himself as an HIV denialist. Denunciation came from a very surprising source: Pastor Rick Warren.

The (lone) sponsor of a transphobic bill in the Tennessee legislature had some strong (and ignorant) words about transgendered people. 

CNN gives us another reminder of how DoMA has a negative affect on people and families.

These anti-gay religious denominations think that discrimination is the same as religious freedom.

Rep. Steve Womack

Some Minnesota legislators are taking action against that state's attempt to constitutionally block marriage equality.

An Arkansas congressman loses his cool when faced by his constituents.

Here is the curious case of a man who, despite being elected, is prohibited from serving his office.

It appears that lots of Wisconsinites want Governor Scott Walker out of office...and I mean lots.

Cyndi Lauper has something to say about one of the songs Mitt Romney has been using in his campaign.

And lastly, a belated  happy birthday to First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama.

The Wrap-Up: January 12, 2012

Cheryl Pflug

Washington state's drive for marriage equality gained another important vote.

Simultaneously, there is a contrary effort by people on the other side of this issue.

Some of the GOP candidates have vowed to be tough on an issue that Americans are most concerned about: pornography.

What did we learn from the New Hampshire Primary? Among other things, not even Catholics like Santorum (who is one of their own).

The Lombardy Trophy

RWNJ's are all for prayer in school...depending on who you're praying to of course.

This year's Super Bowl will bring some disturbing advertisements to certain areas that will make last year ad with Tim Tebow look extremely non-controversial by comparison.

The Minnesota school district that has seen a slew of suicides due to anti-gay bullying is seeking to change the policy...by not really changing it at all.

Not only does Governor Scott Walker (R-WI) not care about Wisconsin's worker, he doesn't care about campaign finance laws either.

Warren Buffett

If New Jersey's push for marriage equality doesn't go the distance through the legislature (or the Governor's office), there is another option.

Republicans are eyeing the Senate in 2012 as low hanging fruit.

Billionaire Warren Buffett throws down a challenge to Congressional republicans.

And lastly, a story that melted the heart of this cynic.

The Wrap-Up: January 10, 2012

Rick Santorum

Today is Primary Day in New Hampshire and it looks like clear sailing for Mitt Romney. 

Rick Santorum may have fallen into "The Huckabee Trap" and I gotta say that a love that this term now exists.

The on-going conservative effort to unseat Romney as the front-runner looks ahead to the South Carolina Primary as the last chance to find an alternative.

Maybe when Christian kids are bullied for being Christian to the point that they end theirs lives (which hopefully never happens), I'll believe this claim. Until then, this is just another case of perpetrators pretending to be victims.

Kansas House Speaker Mike O'Neal

In Rick Santorum's imagination, felonious parents are better than gay parents. He didn't qualify the statement, so I guess those felonious parents include child abusers. How can anyone take this clown seriously?

Governor Scott Walker (R-WI) has some regrets, but I'm guessing he doesn't have nearly enough.

Some people hate Obama so much, they are literally praying for his death (because obviously, that's what Jesus would do...). It looks like one of these people is Kansas' House Speaker. And then there are those comment about the First Lady.

Michigan's Governor Snyder is doing an incredible amount of damage to the state's education funding to pay for business tax cuts.

Here is another look into how Tennessee's "license to bully" bill is dangerous for the state's youth.

MSNBC has fired Pat Buchanan over racist remarks made in his new book. the countdown begins for his hiring by Fox.

The marriage equality bill in New Jersey is getting the fast-track treatment.

And lastly, while politicians completely screw up the economy, here is what some people and business owners are doing to help create jobs in America.

The Wrap-Up: December 22, 2011

Senator Scott Brown (R-MA)

In an effort to keep his Senate seat, Scott Brown (R-MA) appears to be backing away from his previous Tea Party positions.

Rick Santorum was asked (and no this is not a joke) how he could get the "gay vote."

Newt Gingrich, on the other hand, has a very different perspective on the "gay vote."

Speaking of Newt, some people REALLY don't like him...like the guy at the top of this video.

Stirring up the fight against Newt Gingrich, yet again, is Ron Paul with a full-court press (I don't actually watch basketball, so I hope that metaphor works).

Conservatives are none too happy with how Republicans (House Republicans in particular) are handling the payroll tax cut.

Matt Damon

Despite Obama's improved approval numbers, there is one of his early high-profile supporters that has some strong criticism of the President: Matt Damon.

Establishment Republicans are going to some extreme lengths to downplay the possibility/importance of a win by Ron Paul in the Iowa Caucuses.

Media Matters counts down the 10 stupidest "Fox & Friends" moments of 2011. I honestly have no idea how they narrowed it down to ten with all of the material they had.

Totally overrated Chuck Norris pinned an op-ed FOR the "American Family Association." I'll never understand why he was ever famous.

Today in awesome anti-Scott Walker signs...

Openly LGBT elected officials are in office in almost every state of the union.

And lastly, a bi-partisan group made this video to speak against the Republican-led move by the New Hampshire state legislature to repeal marriage equality:

The Wrap-Up: December 14, 2011

Senator Harry Reid (D-NV)

Someone needs to make Lowes aware that an apology where you do NOT admit any wrong-doing doesn't count as an apology.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) took some time out of his busy schedule to tell us what millionaire job-creators and unicorns have in common. Though that probably sounds like a dig on Reid, what he said his pretty much on point.

Members of Occupy Wall Street will be meeting with the Congressional Progressive Caucus this week. Hopefully this is the beginning of this movement having a more concrete effect on policy-making.

The parents of Tyler Clementi made an appearance on NBC to talk about what happened with their son.

According to their own financial records, the so-called National Organization for Marriage is more astro-turf than grassroots.

Mahlon Mitchell

Political gay-bashing just doesn't have the pay-off it once had (not even for conservative Republicans), as Rick Perry is finding out.

A contender may be emerging in Wisconsin to fight against Governor Scott Walker who is being recalled, but the race is still shaping up.

If you're wondering why Congress gets nothing done, it's because we have Senators talking about bestiality. This waste of time is brought to you by James Inhofe (R-OK).

Liberty here in the United States is taking a lot of hits at the hands of Congress.

National Public Radio takes a look at Mitt Romney's talking out of both sides of his mouth gay rights problem.

Sgt. Garon (right) with Mitt Romney

The gay Vietnam veteran (Army Sgt. Robert Garon) who confronted Mitt Romney on marriage equality spoke to MSNBC's Thomas Roberts about the encounter.

A lesbian couple, with their two daughters, talked to the mayor of Troy, Michigan (who started a firestorm with homophobic comments made on FaceBook) in a city council meeting. Judging by the audience response, I'm pretty sure I know what they think of the mayor.

And lastly, AfterElton takes a look at the year's most memorable LGBT quotes, from bitter to the sweet, the funny to the down-right strange.

The Wrap-Up: November 21, 2011

If you are against "Too-Big-Too-Fail" institutions, consider joining a credit union.

It appears that the Super Committee is heading for failure. Guess which gets the honor of taking more blame?

Mitt Romney can't help but talk out of both sides of his mouth, especially on equality for gay people.

Spain's "Popular Party" won in yesterday's elections. This is not good for the nation's current status of supporting marriage equality as the PP is anti-gay (although this election was more about the economy).

Christmas is winning in its war on Thanksgiving.

Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL)

Because this has really been on my mind lately, here is a little more on "Christmas Creep." I'm glad we finally have a name for this, but sad that it's necessary.

An anti-corporate personhood amendment has been introduced into Congress by Rep. Ted Deutch.

As the recall effort against Governor Scott Walker ramps up, threats have been reported against recall supporters.

Rick Perry has become the latest GOP candidate to sign the "Family Leader's" pledge which begs the question: what took him so long when we all knew it would happen anyway?

In an effort to show how classy a group they are, NASCAR fans booed Michelle Obama and Jill Biden who were bringing awareness to the need for employment for the nation's veterans (they weren't even talking about gay vets either).

Remember how Marcus Bachmann threatened the man from "Truth Wins Out" over $150 owed for counseling sessions (which never took place)? TWO says "Bring it."

Giving further evidence that being a person of faith does not inherently entail being a homophobe, a North Carolina congregation made a surprising move.

***UPDATE***

After I finished writing this, it became official that the Super Committee failed to cut $1.2 trillion from the budget.

The Wrap-Up: November 16, 2011

Clearly he's thinking of his loving wife, Michele.

Congress seems to be okay with America's kids being fat and unhealthy. HURRAY DIABETES!!!

Marcus Bachmann wants his money, OR ELSE.

Wisconsin's disdain for Governor Scott Walker was just brought home...or at least into his neighborhood.

Rick Perry doesn't want foreigners at his Town Hall meeting. I guess they'll be stopped at the wall by border control.

This story makes zero sense, unless you take into account that it is in Texas.

Restoring some of my faith in Texans (you guys have a lot to make for with Perry AND Bush) is this story of parents rallying around a teacher/coach fired allegedly for being lesbian.

It looks like Mitt Romney didn't just flip-flop on homosexuality/marriage equality once, he did it twice. How is this guy not dizzy from flipping so much?

In the run-up to the Senate Judiciary's hearings about repealing DoMA, state and local lawmakers wrote the body outlining 5 primary reasons to dump the law.

Today is being called a "critical" day in the Super Committee's journey to find $1.2 trillion in budget cuts with only one week before time runs out.

Advocate.com has come out with a list of the 21 most notable coming-out stories of the year. My only issue is that there is another month and a half left.

Herman Cain doesn't think he, as a presidential candidate, is supposed to know anything foreign affairs. This really is the Clown-of-the-Earth.

While many of the GOP candidates are ecstatic about water-boarding (because it works so well), the CIA seems more reluctant.

Rick Santorum seems to know more about this lesbian than she does. His hubris truly knows no bounds.

Yesterday, a security guard at Zucotti Park, where OWS-NYC is head-quartered, called a 6-year military veteran (when was Veterans Day again?) a "faggot." Today, that security guard is jobless.