Gay News Roundup.

by Harold C. Jones

The Rose Parade gay marriage faces opposition. This just in.

“Danny Leclair's marriage to his partner of 12 years at the Rose Parade on Thursday will be televised to more than 80 million viewers across the nation. His very public display of same-sex affection and commitment has ruffled some feathers inside the gay community and out.”

“For many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans, 2014 was a year of marriages doubling as political statements — celebrations of the Supreme Court ruling that struck down provisions of the prohibitive Defense of Marriage Act and California's Proposition 8 as well as the states that have legalized same-sex marriages.” > Al Jazeera

I wonder if Al Jazeera broadcasts this sort of thing in other localities.

The event, say conservative activists, ‘denigrate the family.’

““The decision to allow two gay couples to ‘marry’ on a float during the Rose Parade denigrates this once family-friendly event,” said Brian Brown, president of the National Organization of Marriage. “It’s another ‘in your face’ example that should serve as a teachable moment for the American people.” > CNS News.

***

Bureaucratic harassment ensues when the Driver’s Office won’t change a name after a same-sex marriage.

“Don't count on driver's license officials in Michigan accepting name changes for gay marrieds.

“The federal government and New York state may consider him Jesse Melot, but the Michigan Department of State insists he's still Jesse Sherman.”

“The Michigan Constitution bans same-sex marriages, so he and Derek Melot went to New York to get married in October.”

“Afterward, Jesse Melot says he visited two Michigan Department of State offices with his marriage certificate seeking to have his new name put on his driver's licenses.”

“He tells MLive.com that clerks in both offices declined to do so.” > WILX 10

***

Polygamy can’t be compared to gay marriage: letter to editor, Salt Lake Tribune.

“For the letter writers who think that gay marriage and polygamy compare:”

“There is a lot of difference between gay marriage and polygamy. Gay marriage affects two people and polygamy affects many people and has been shown to cause many more problems for women, children and some ‘lost boys.’ It often treats women as second-class citizens.”

“It is handled in a different court and has been recently "decriminalized" if those practicing it don’t break other laws, but in some large groups there have been underage and forced marriages and rape of young girls. Boys have been sent off with no home because the older men want to have lots of women and young girls for themselves to marry.”

“For women of legal age who want it and if everyone keeps the law and doesn’t abuse welfare, it might be OK. But those are few, and I don’t believe it will ever become a popular lifestyle.” > Kim Summers

I guess I never really thought of it that way before.

Will same-sex marriage open the door to the legalization or ‘decriminalization’ of polygamy?

Sure, why not?

***

Police brutality video angers Barcelona. > The Local.

***

Top Ten Countries that hate gays:

“For a country that bills itself as “the world’s biggest democracy,” India sure has a habit of shutting its minorities out of the democratic system. Case in point: the re-criminalization of homosexuality. In 2009, the High Court in Delhi threw out a 153-year-old law passed by the British colonial administration that made consenting sex between two adults of the same gender a crime. At the time, it was seen as a huge step forward for gay rights in the country, and many assumed it was the start of a new era of tolerance for LGBT people.” > Listverse.

***

That’s all folks. What an interesting year it has been.

END

Here’s a free copy of The Virgin and the Troll.

Gay News Roundup.

Gay news from around the world.

by Harold C. Jones

Israeli politician faces backlash for stance on same-sex marriage. She supports tax breaks equal to traditionally married couples but not state recognition otherwise.

Presently, “Under Israeli law, the only marriage ceremonies performed in Israel that are recognized by the government are those conducted under the auspices of a recognized religion. The government also recognizes marriages performed overseas.”

While some of the insulting rhetoric directed against Ayelet Shaked seems harsh, the bit about ‘under the auspices of a recognized religion’ is also a bit out of touch with modern secular realities. The part about tax breaks but not recognition seems at odds with conservative views in other countries. (Israel National News.)

***

U.S. embassy issues same-sex visa although marriages not recognized in Phillipines.

“Although same-sex marriage is not yet recognized in the Philippines, the embassy said gay Americans are now able to petition for family-based visas on behalf of their Filipino spouses, fiancés, and their children. Noel ‘Aeinghel’ Amaro and Robert Cotterman were the first gay couple in the Philippines to receive a fiancé visa. Cotterman serves in the US military and is scheduled to return from a tour in Afghanistan next month.”

(Philippine Star.)

***

Same-sex marriage, December 8, Canberra, Australia. (Canberra Times.)

A politician and his partner were among the first Australian same-sex couples to be wed when it became legal.

“Just after midnight local time, Stephen Dawson, a member of the opposition Labor Party in Western Australia, and partner Dennis Liddelow, said “I do” in the national capital Canberra. In October, the Australian Capital Territory, which includes Canberra, became the first jurisdiction in the country to legalize same-sex marriage. The bill took effect on Saturday. But the couple’s marriage may be short-lived: the High Court will hear a federal government challenge to the validity of the ACT law on Thursday.”

Might as well get ‘er done while you still can, eh, boys?

(Global Post.)

***

Cabinet committee rejects same-sex housing benefit law.

“The ministers saw the proposal as unnecessary, a cabinet statement said Sunday afternoon, since a government regulation in force since 2007 already grants same-sex couples those same benefits.”

So in other words it already exists, they just don’t want to sanction it. Israel is an interesting country because of the mix of secular and non-secular aims, which is represented by the political alliances they form, un-form and re-form with great regularity.

(Times of Israel.)

***

Full benefits extended to Department of Defense staff in S. Korea.

“U.S. Forces Korea last week decided to grant full marriage benefits to same-sex couples, meaning the spouses of gay and lesbian service-members and U.S. civilians living in South Korea can now shop at the commissary and post exchanges. The decision comes after USFK officials deliberated for months on whether granting such benefits to gay couples would violate the status of forces agreement in a country where gay unions are not recognized.”

The privilege of purchase in the base Px aside, this story raises some important issues. In S. Korea, same-sex marriages are not legally recognized, and yet a military base enjoys some degree of extra-territoriality.

Inside the fence would be governed by the laws of the United States, outside the gate, the laws of the host country must be respected.

(Stars and Stripes.)

 END

Gay News Roundup, December 1, 2013.

by Harold C. Jones

British broadcaster reveals her grandmother was disgusted by press revelation of her orientation.

“The broadcaster, who fronted much of the BBC's 2012 Olympic Games coverage, said her parents knew she was a lesbian.”

But when a national newspaper made it public she says she had to tell her grandma.

"I said 'Grandma, I need to talk to you' and she said 'Yes I should think you do'," she told presenter Kirsty Young.

"I said 'Have you seen the paper?' and she said 'Yes and I think it's disgusting.'"

"I said 'What do you mean? The invasion of my privacy or my lifestyle choice' and she said 'Both' and I didn't talk to her for about six months after that which was pretty difficult."

She was asked whether she could work at the 2014 games in Sochi with a "clear conscience."

"Absolutely," Balding replied. "Because I think it's hugely important that I do go."

Vladimir Putin has stated that gays and lesbians attending the games will ‘be made to feel welcome.’

Russia has a law prohibiting ‘gay propaganda’ directed at minors and has recently been the scene of a number of particularly gruesome killings of gays.

***

New Mexico gay minor and assailant banned from Coronado Mall after assault.

Youngster says he’s ‘used to gay slurs.’

“Why would you want to fight over that?” Cell phone video shows attack. (Huffington Post, Gay Voices.)

***

Gay grandfather killed in attack outside pub.

“Mr. Hayes lived with his male partner on a smart, modern estate at Widdrington Station, near Morpeth.”

“His partner was too upset to comment but neighbours spoke of a 'pleasant, pleasant character' who tidied their gardens in winter without even being asked.”

“A murder enquiry has been launched and two men, both aged 26 and from nearby Ellesmere Port have been arrested and bailed pending further inquiries.”

Police are discouraging speculation as to the motive of the attack, and both attackers were in the bar prior to Mr. Hayes leaving. (BulgeBull.)

***

Gay man miraculously survives freak accident. Hopes ‘God sends him a boyfriend.’

“Tom Comstock was driving his Nissan X-Terra home when he was rear-ended by the car behind him, sending a load of lumber through Comstock’s back windshield, through the steering wheel, and almost through the front windshield.” (Informationng.)

***

Gay rights fight comes to Texas despite ban. Two court challenges under way.

“Conservative activists in Texas are fighting same-sex marriage by declaring it a violation of state's rights and religious freedom. Since Republicans who control the state oppose gay marriage, the law will likely be decided in court.” (KSLA.)

Interesting how religious freedom means the right to deny to others religions freedom.

As the famous historian once said, “If they are not suffered to govern, then they must be being oppressed.”

Truer words were never spoken. The funny thing is, they are governing, but states rights do not contravene individual rights under the Constitution.

***

In some states, gay couples must now fight for the right to get divorced. If gay marriage is not legally recognized in that state, then there is logically, no divorce, in the sense that you can’t dissolve what never happened, even if the marriage was legal in the state in which it took place.

“Often, such couples in non-recognition states would have to move back to the state where they were married and establish residency in order to get divorced — an option that can be unworkable in many cases.” (Yahoo News.)

***

Bali Beach Walk honours World Aids Day.

“Join “Bali United Against HIV & AIDS” – Community Beach Walk – and show YOUR support in the fight against this terrible virus. This is an OPEN Invitation to all companies, social clubs, sporting groups, schools and individuals to participate in this important and FREE community event. the FIRST 300 registrations on the day who complete the walk, receive a FREE GIFT BAG OF GOODIES.”

***

Over the next fifty to one hundred years, let us hope that the world becomes more enlightened, to the extent that this becomes a non-issue in every community.

Progress is slow, but progress is indeed being made. For that, I think we must be grateful.

END