TONIGHT In NYC: Free JMG Pride Party & Marriage Celebration With Open Wine Bar & Legendary Drag Performer Jackie Beat!

If you're in Manhattan tonight, please consider joining me and fellow JMG readers for a special Pride Party in the private lounge at the Gramercy Theatre, 127 East 23 Street. Beginning at 10pm we'll have an open wine and champagne bar courtesy of Barefoot Wines. Slurp! Come celebrate one of the greatest victories in LGBT history!

AND the first 20 people to respond to this email: JMGParty@gmail.com will start the evening with free tickets to the new show by legendary drag performer Jackie Beat, Pray Away The Gay. (Enter the discount code "JMG" for $18 tickets if you don't make the freebie cut.)

I'm looking forward to seeing lots of you there!

Tony Perkins: NY Senators Were Bribed

“Enormous political coercion has resulted in a profound failure of moral courage in the New York Senate. A clear majority of the people of New York oppose counterfeit ‘marriage,’ but Gov. Cuomo and anti-family lawmakers have shown that their allegiance is to a small but vocal minority seeking to redefine marriage and family. The so-called religious protections that were tacked on to the bill will ultimately do nothing to protect the religious rights of New York citizens. As we go forward there is little doubt that the 'incentives,' some taxpayer funded, used to sway votes, especially Republican ones, will be exposed." - Hate group leader Tony Perkins, implying that New York state senators were bribed for their votes.

At Blowoff's NYC Pride Party

I haven't allowed any self-photos on this here blog in a while, but I don't hate this shot by Father Tony too much. That's superstar DJ Rich Morel on my left, then birthday boy (30!) Eric Leven, then Tony's husband. An amazing night that including an fantastic state-by-state equality countdown on the giant screen. You'd have thought the roof was coming off when New York came up. More of Tony's photos are here.

New York Daily News Reacts

Very nice cover from the Daily News. However, today's front page of the wingnut New York Post shows a woman attempting suicide by leaping from her roof.

Tweet Of The Day - Almighty God

Maggie Gallagher On NY Marriage

"New York Republicans are responsible for passing gay marriage. The party will pay a grave price. Here is what we know. In state after state, Democrats who control a chamber in support of their base have prevented votes favorable to marriage: Iowa, West Virginia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania.

"When Democrats are in the minority, they’ve demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to their base — in Wisconsin and Indiana fleeing the state to prevent a vote. N.Y, Republicans did not have to bring gay marriage up for a vote: What does it mean that they passed gay marriage in N.Y.? Michael Long, the Conservative-party chairman, has vowed to withhold his endorsement. The National Organization for Marriage has committed $2 million to persuading Republicans: Voting for gay marriage has consequences. Sad that the N.Y. GOP has caved. Consequences to be continued." - NOM spokesbovine Maggie Gallagher, writing for the National Review.

Matt Barber: God Will Punish New York

Celebration Outside The Stonewall Inn

Cuomo Signs NY Marriage Bill

Homotastic nuptials may commence in exactly thirty days.

A Rainbow State Of Mind

The Empire State Building is usually lit in all lavender for gay Pride weekend. (Source)

Final NY Senate Roll Call

Thunderous ovation. Chills. Tears.

(Via - Think Progress)

New York Marriage Reactions

Empire State Pride Agenda

“Love and fairness wins the day for all New Yorkers and our families. Today is a historic day and a victory for equality and justice – it is the culmination of many years of work by the Pride Agenda and others across the state,” said Ross D. Levi, Executive Director of the Empire State Pride Agenda. “We are thrilled that finally all loving, committed New Yorkers will be able to make the commitment of marriage here in the Empire State.”

NY Sen. Thomas Duane

"There are rare moments when the historical significance of an action speaks for itself and words can’t capture the magnitude. This is one such moment. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered (LGBT) New Yorkers will no longer be denied the right to marry the ones they love. For the first time in New York’s rich history they will be granted equal protection under the law. I want to commend the incredible leadership and passion of Governor Andrew Cuomo who made good on his promise to make Marriage Equality the law in New York State. I also want to thank my colleagues in the State Senate on both sides of the aisle, and in the Assembly, who took a courageous stand when it would have been far easier for them to turn away from what I know for many was a difficult issue."

NY Assemblyman Daniel O'Donnell

"Thomas Jefferson once wrote, 'our civil rights have no dependence on our religious opinions.' Today, the New York State Legislature has affirmed the truth of that fundamental principle with the passage of the Marriage Equality Act. I am proud to have played a central role in this crucial moment for our state. Once Marriage Equality is signed into law, our state will be the most populous in the entire nation with these rights. I hope that with this prominence, our great state will shine as a beacon of equality and lead other states from the darkness of injustice. I will never forget this day."

Freedom To Marry

"Winning the freedom to marry in New York truly is a transformative moment for committed couples and for our country, a triumph for love and equality under the law,” said Evan Wolfson, founder and President of Freedom to Marry. “Now that we’ve made it here, we’ll make it everywhere – and as Americans’ hearts open and minds continue to change in favor of the freedom to marry, the momentum coming from New York’s giant step forward brings a nationwide end to marriage discrimination closer than ever.”

American Foundation for Equal Rights

“New Yorkers have plenty to celebrate this Pride Month. There’s no doubt that today will be revered as a major turning point in civil rights history. A bipartisan group of legislators have affirmed that equal rights for every citizen is not a partisan issue, but an American value. Yet for millions of Americans who do not live in New York, Washington DC, or the five other states that have recognized the constitutional rights of gay and lesbian Americans, they are still suffering the injustice of discrimination every day. The freedom to marry is a constitutional liberty and the birthright of every American. Constitutional rights belong to every individual, regardless of the state you inhabit. This has recently been affirmed within the past year by federal courts in our nation’s most prominent civil rights cases."

NY SENATE APPROVES MARRIAGE!!!

The vote was 33-29!!!!

I love you, New York.

Now please excuse me as I slip away for some heavy drinking. Marriage equality in New York has been one of the top focuses of this here website thingy for a long, long time.

Crowds Swell Outside Stonewall Inn

Waiting, hoping. (Source)

LIVE VIDEO: New York Senate

I'm moving this post to the top of the blog as we're hearing that a marriage vote is totally definitely going to happen any minute/hour now. For real real.

Anti-Gay Conservative Party Head Michael Long: Gay Marriage Bill Is Going To Pass

Rather encouraging.

Mike Long, the chairman of the New York Conservative Party and a leading opponent of the bill to institue same sex marriage in New York, tells THE WEEKLY STANDARD that the bill will likely pass "by the end of the night." "I'm sorry to say that the bill's going to pass," Long told me in a phone interview minutes ago. He said that the recently released religious liberty amendment would serve as an "excuse for some Sepublican senators to hang their hat on." "I know they've got the 32nd vote, and I think they've muscled two more people" to give the vote some cushion.

NYT: Consensus Reached On New York Marriage Bill's "Religious Exemptions"

Via the New York Times' City Room blog:

The Cuomo administration and legislative leaders have reached agreement on language to protect religious institutions from obligations to recognize same-sex marriage, two people involved in the negotiations said on Friday afternoon, potentially paving the way for a vote on the marriage legislation. Senate Republicans were still discussing the marriage bill in a closed-door meeting on Friday afternoon; it remained unclear whether — or if — they would permit a vote on the broader legislation. The State Assembly, which approved an earlier version of the same-sex marriage bill last week, would need to approve the new language before the full bill could become law.

UPDATE: There appears to finally be action on the bill. Assemblyman Daniel O'Donnell tweet: "Just conferenced chapter amendments. Bill moving!"

Olberman On New York Marriage

(Via - Towleroad)

Fake Japanese Pop Star

The lead singer of a popular Japanese act has been revealed to be an animated computer composite of five actual human girls. Fans are reportedly devastated.

Peter Falk Dies At Age 83

Actor Peter Falk has died at the age of 83 after suffering several years of advanced Alzheimer's Disease. Falk was best known for playing TV detective Columbo, for which he won five Emmy Awards. In 1972 he won a Tony Award for his performance in Neil Simon's The Prisoner of Second Avenue. He was twice nominated for an Academy Award, first for 1960's Murder, Inc., then again the next year for Pocketful Of Miracles.

Timothy Dolan: If We Allow Gay Marriage, Men Will Start Marrying Their Sisters

"That’s what’s going to happen here. You think it’s going to stop with this? You think now bigamists are going to want their rights to marry? You think somebody that wants to marry his sister is going to now say 'I have a right.' I mean it’s the same principle, isn’t it?" - Archbishop Timothy Dolan of the New York Catholic Coalition for the Protection of Boy-Fuckers.

According to Dolan, the gay marriage battle is akin to David Vs. Goliath, and he, one of the leaders of a multi-trillion-dollar global criminal enterprise, is the underdog David.

SAN DIEGO: Active Duty Military To March In Gay Pride Parade For First Time

Some real American history will be made at San Diego Pride.

"To my knowledge [it is] the first time in the history of Pride in the United States, ever, that we have said, 'Active duty, you are welcome,'" organizer Sean Sala said. "We want you to be there without fear of repercussions, because we love you." Sala, an active-duty sailor, said he was bothered to see that police and firefighters were represented in the Pride parade, but not the people who serve this country. "I thought it was weird because San Diego has the biggest military installation in the United States, and military are public servants as well," he said.

About 200 service members have reportedly signed up to march. They will not wear their uniforms, as per military regulations.

Netroots Nation - It Gets Better

HomoQuotable - David Mixner

"The man [Obama] has done an enormous amount and I’m supporting him for president. But I would be more than delinquent if I didn’t say that I’m more disappointed than I thought I would be with his handling of marriage tonight. I didn’t come with any expectations that he would support marriage. But it was awful, it was embarrassing, and as soon as he reached that point, it was like he couldn’t wait to get off the stage. [snip]

"This is one of our big nights of celebration – I mean, we’re going to win this I think tomorrow, but we know this issue could go either way. This was a room full of people waiting to be jubilant. I knew he wasn’t he going to support marriage, but there were so many different ways he could have let us know that he understood this moment for us and how happy he was for us. I support him. After all, who wants President Bachmann?" - Longtime activist David Mixner, speaking to Equality Matters at last night's Obama fundraiser in NYC.

And Now, A Six-Minute Underwear Ad

As a publicity gimmick, this six-minute oh-so-artsy and dramatique Thierry Mugler ad debuted on the homemade porn site, X-Tube. Totally NSFW.

Werewoof

More photos here.

Asshat Of The Day - NY Sen. Greg Ball

"Knowing that marriage equality was likely to pass, I thought it important to force the issue of religious protections. Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the distinct opportunity of listening to literally thousands of residents, on both sides of this issue, by holding an undecided stance. I thought it was important to listen to all of my constituents and hold an undecided position until the actual bill language was written and everyone’s voice had been heard. Now that the final text is public, I am proud that I have secured some strong protections for religious institutions and basic protections for religious organizations. The bill still lacks many of the basic religious protections I thought were vital, and for this reason, and as I did in the Assembly, I will be voting ‘no.’" - GOP NY Sen. Greg Ball.

Gay Rights?

You don't often see "gay rights" mentioned on homocon sites, which are typically more concerned about "wealth preservation" and screwing the poor. So I had to follow the tweet that heralded the above story. It turns out that the right to carry a concealed handgun anywhere you please is a gay rights issue. At least it is in the bizarro world of Gay Patriot.

Dan Savage On Joy Behar

Dan Savage, comedian Alec Mapa, and actress Raven Symone joined Joy Behar last night to discuss that Southwest pilot, gay pride, and New York marriage. Sharp-eyed viewers will note the NYC Digital Activists' banner in the clip of NYC Pride. At the 6:15 mark.

Tweet Of The Day - Mrs. Wright

Outside Obama's NYC Fundraiser

CNN On New York Marriage

This aired last night and includes an interview with Freedom To Marry's Evan Wolfson as well as some coverage of Obama's fundraiser speech in NYC.

March With Us This Sunday!

The NYC Digital Activists will march in NYC Pride for the third year this Sunday. If you would like to march with our group, we step off at 1PM, on 37th Street between 5th Avenue and Madison. Find Section 11, Group 13. All are welcome! Look for our banner. And join us!

Peter Sprigg On New York Marriage

NYT Rips New York Senate On Inaction

The New York Times tears into the GOP-led New York Senate for dragging their feet on marriage equality.

As we wrote this editorial on Thursday evening, we were still waiting for the New York State Senate to do what it should have done long ago — end a basic inequality under the law by allowing same-sex couples the full right to marry. The solution is obvious: Pass a clean bill that allows all adult New Yorkers to marry whomever they choose to marry, without unneeded exemptions for religious-affiliated organizations. [snip] In Albany, they say hidden talks are necessary to get anything done. Nonsense. The state’s leaders just don’t want public scrutiny. It’s a cowardly way to conduct the public’s business.

Right fucking on.

Scott Stringer For New York Marriage

Manhattan borough president Scott Stringer spoke last night at the NYC LGBT Center, where he declared his shame at New York's lack of marriage equality. The heterosexual Stringer married in Connecticut last year as a show of LGBT solidarity.

LIVE VIDEO: New York Senate

The Senate has reconvened for more late night work, but a marriage bill does not presently appear on the list of active items for tonight.

UPDATE: The Senate has adjourned for the night.

Obama Speaks To NYC Activists: Marriage Decisions Are Best Left To The States

Video and transcript via Igor Volsky at Think Progress:

Part of the reason that DOMA doesn’t make sense is that traditionally marriage has been decided by the states and right now, I understand there is a little debate going on here in New York about whether to join five other states and DC in allowing civil marriage for gay couples. And I want to say that under the leadership of Governor Cuomo, with the support of Democrats and Republicans, New York is doing exactly what democracies are supposed to to do. There is a debate, there is a deliberation about what it means here in New York to treat people fairly in the eyes of the law and that is — look, that’s the power of our democratic system.

"Libtards"

This from the guy who whines all day about what "intolerant gay leftists" say about him. Kinda hilarious, huh?

FOTF Denies Climate Change

White House: Obama Will "Mention" NY Marriage Battle, But Won't Take A Position

Despite strong pressure for the president to endorse marriage equality at tonight's Manhattan fundraiser with LGBT community leaders, the White House says that isn't going to happen.

White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said on Thursday that President Obama plans to “mention” during an LGBT fundraiser later in the evening a pending marriage equality bill in the New York Legislature, but won’t come out either for or against the legislation. Carney said the president will maintain the marriage issue should be something left to the states to decide. Many political observers believe New York is on the cusp of legalizing same-sex marriage and the necessary 32 votes are secured in the Republican-controlled State Senate to move forward with the legislation.

The president will begin the evening by attending a performance of the Broadway hit, Sister Act.

GetEQUAL To Obama: Evolve Already

RELATED: According to rumors circulating on Twitter this afternoon, President Obama will not endorse marriage equality at tonight's LGBT fundraiser in Manhattan.

Asshat Of The Day - Sam Trombley

"I'm surprised the health department has not come out against this because we are going to have an HIV epidemic if this passes. They (health department) are always complaining about tobacco and smoking, I'm surprised they didn't say anything about this. You don't see two male dogs sleeping in the same dog house together. It blows my mind to think of it." - Clinton County GOP legislator Sam Trombley, who has a big future in New York state Republican politics.

Target Staffers - It Gets Better

Reaction to this should be interesting...

Pride Flag Goes Up At SF City Hall

Video by JMG reader Sean Chapin.

Today In Albany

I'm fairly sure I first posted this cartoon here a couple of years ago, but it's being passed around on Twitter today and feels just as true as when it was first published.

The Bizarro Logic Of NY Sen. Ruben Diaz

From a just-published interview with Steven Thrasher at the Village Voice:

All right, let me ask you about this. You believe marriage is between one man and one woman, yes?

Yes [laughing] So? Why are you asking me this? You know that, you know what I believe. Why are you calling me? Marriage is between a man and a woman.

But you yourself have been married twice, and are divorced.

Yes. So?

So do you believe it is alright to be divorced?

No. Divorce is wrong. Gay marriage is wrong.

You think you are wrong, then?

When I got divorced, I was wrong, yes. Why are you asking me this?

But you believe that gay marriage is wrong and divorce is wrong, but that you should be allowed to get divorced and remarried, and gay people shouldn't be able to marry at all.

When I got divorced, it was wrong, but marriage is between a man and a woman.

So is being divorced OK with your religion?

No, it is not OK. Gay marriage is still wrong. This is what I believe.

You may recall that Sen. "Reverend" Diaz once grandiosely declared, "I am the the church AND the state."

Betsy Loves Sarah Palin

Bill Donohue: We Shouldn't Allow Gay Marriage Because People Still Get AIDS

"Before the New York State legislature decides whether to ratify homosexual marriage, it would be nice if one of the lawmakers were to ask what in the world is going on in the gay community. [snip] Between 2007-2009, there was a 6 percent decrease in gay men using condoms. Furthermore, homosexuals account for 60 percent of all newly diagnosed HIV infections each year; in addition, 60 percent of gays who have syphilis also have HIV. Moreover, 85 percent of gays with syphilis continue to have sex. The lawmakers need to ask gay leaders to testify about this issue." - Catholic League blowhard and pedophile defender Bill Donohue.

Chicken & Waffles

Naked Cowboy: I'll Marry Gay Couples

Famed NYC street performer the Naked Cowboy says he'll marry gay couples for free in Times Square. ​

Ever-ready for publicity, the Naked Cowboy, Robert Burck, has thrown his support behind the movement for marriage equality in New York and declared July 3rd "Gay Marriage Day." To celebrate the holiday, Burck, who happens to be an ordained minister, will be performing free same-sex wedding ceremonies in Times Square all day on Sunday, July 3 -- and every July 3 that follows. Via press release, he said "I'm not a homosexual or a hypocrite, I am an American. It is hypocritical, in my opinion, for our legislature to discriminate against gays and lesbians regarding same-sex marriages.

Burck has previously pulled stunts like declaring his candidacy for mayor of New York.

Quote Of The Day - Anita Bryant

"I was before her time, but Sally Kern is here for such a time as this. I am grateful for her life and her friendship. Reading The Stoning of Sally Kern was at times like déjà vu, reminding me of my stand in Dade County in 1977. I can highly recommend this book to anyone who loves God, their family, and their country. It is a must-read for any believing woman or man who wants to make a difference in these perilous times. Those soldiers who have counted the cost of character assassination or endured other losses yet are willing to take a stand in truth and love for the glory of God, our children, and future generations will especially enjoy this inspiring book." - Anita Bryant, from a blurb on the cover of fellow homophobe Sally Kern's autobiography.

BOOM BYE-BYE: Murder Music Star Buju Banton Sentenced To Ten Years

This morning reggae superstar Buju Banton was sentenced to ten years in federal prison for cocaine trafficking. Banton's particular style of reggae was dubbed "murder music" for lyrics that often called for the murders of gay men. In recent years his concert appearances were picketed by LGBT activists who sometimes convinced promoters to cancel the shows entirely. Banton's supporters claim that his drug arrest was a conspiracy set up between the DEA and gay activists.

RELATED: In February 2011, Banton won the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album despite protests over having even been nominated.

NY Papers: Marriage Is Close (Or Not)

New York Daily News:

Senate Republicans on Wednesday were close to signing off on a religious protection provision that could boost the chances that gay marriage will pass in New York. "We're close on language that I believe satisfactorily addresses the issue," said Sen. Andrew Lanza (R-S.I.), who remains undecided on the issue. Some senators have said such tweaks could sway them to vote "aye" on same-sex nuptials. Others, though opposed to gay marriage, said they would not support even bringing the bill up for a vote without stronger religious protections than Gov. Cuomo included in his legislation.

New York Post:

Any vote on the controversial measure to make New York the sixth and largest state to approve same-sex nuptials was put off until today or tomorrow after lawmakers spent the day haggling over elements of a massive rent-and-tax-cap deal central to Gov. Cuomo's agenda. Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos (R-LI) said Republicans yesterday had not even discussed bringing the marriage bill to a pivotal public vote, despite thunderous daylong protests, both for and against. Skelos and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (D-Manhattan), whose house passed the bill last week, both confirmed they had seen draft amendments of strengthened religious exemptions.

Albany Times-Union:

Sen. Greg Ball, R-Patterson, Putnam County, yesterday called for a vote in the Senate on legalizing same-sex marriage. Even though Ball is officially undecided, he said the public should get a vote on the issue, despite an attempt by the state Conservative Party to quash a vote. “There should definitely be a vote, up or down. We live in a democracy,” Ball said. He went on to question the Conservative Party’s thinking on the issue, saying that same-sex marriage may ultimately become law in New York at some point and perhaps its best to fight for as strong as legal protections as possible for churches and religious organizations that wouldn’t want to perform gay marriages.

Open Thread Thursday

Good news only, because we need some positivity up in this joint. What's fantastic in your life today?

Tweet Of The Day - Benson Henderson

TONIGHT: GetEQUAL To Protest Obama At New York City LGBT Fundraiser

With a demand that the president complete his "evolution" on same-sex marriage, tonight GetEQUAL will stage a protest at an Obama reelection fundraiser in Manhattan.

Freedom To Marry's Evan Wolfson: I'm Very Hopeful On New York Marriage

This aired last night on CNN.

FLASHBACK: Crazy Eyes Spies On Gays

Buzzfeed reminds us of the incident in which then state legislator Michele Bachmann squatted down in some bushes to spy on an LGBT rights rally in Minneapolis. Bachmann later claimed she wasn't hiding, she was "resting her heels."

NOM Spokesman David Tyree: I Don't Want My Kids To Think Gays Are Normal

And we don't want kids to think crack-addicts are normal.

From The Family Research Foundation

REPORT: 32nd Vote Secured In NY Senate

So claims the Knickerbocker Ledger:

A name has not yet been released, but sources close to those with the New York State Republican Conference have confirmed a thirty-second vote has been “secured” for the passage of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Marriage Equality Act. As the Senate goes through what is being called “the big ugly” – property cap reform, tuition for public colleges, and rent control regulation – the vote for marriage equality may not be until the wee hours on Thursday.

RELATED: That fucking lying liar from NOM who published today's lie-filled National Review article that NOM has successfully thwarted New York marriage? Now's he's angrily tweeting that OUR SIDE is lying.

Near Collision At JFK

Skelos: NY Senate Vote Tonight?

Or tomorrow. More vagueness from New York Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos.

Skelos also hinted that his conference and Cuomo are close on amendments to the same-sex marriage bill that would further clarify protections for religious organizations. “My colleagues and [the governor's] counsel’s office are looking very closely at religious protections and I think they will conclude that. Once we have final legislation we’ll discuss it in conference,” Skelos said. For the first time, Silver said he saw a draft of the amendments, and is agreeable on the concepts. He said a vote could be held tonight “if the Senate says they’re doing it and they agree on it.”

Hypocrisy On Homosexuality

Spirit Airlines: $5 To Print Boarding Passes

But only if their clerk prints them for you at the airport.

Low-fare carrier Spirit Airlines drew gasps last year when it became the first U.S. airline to charge passengers for bringing carry-on bags aboard. On Tuesday, the proponent of fees for nearly everything airborne unveiled another U.S. first: Passengers who have boarding passes printed by a Spirit check-in agent will be charged $5 each for each nonstop flight. The Miramar, Fla., carrier said fliers can avoid forking over a five spot by checking in online and printing their own boarding passes. The new fee, which started Tuesday, applies to all flights booked for travel on or after Nov. 1.

Spirit also charges $20-$35 to use the overhead bin for a carry-on.

Photo Of The Day - "Ex-Gays" In Albany

Twitter sources report that the "ex-gays" are now working the hallways of the state house in Albany. The one above carries a sign declaring "God can heal the homosexual! He healed me!"

UPDATE: King internet sleuth Jeremy Hooper already has the dish on the still-totally-gay dude in the photo. Here's his bio:

Anthony Falzarano, Executive Director, Parents and Friends Ministries (PFM), is a former homosexual and ex-gay activist. Falzarano lived in Manhattan's Upper East Side. He was immersed in the gay lifestyle for nine years. As the result of a remarkable transformation in his life, he left the gay lifestyle. Since leaving the gay lifestyle, Falzarano has been married for twenty-eight years and has two children. He is a strong advocate for authentic marriage. Mr. Falzarano has been serving the gay community since 1988, and has ministered to over 600 former homosexuals.

The Boldest NOM Lie Yet?

Today NOM's Thomas Peters published a celebratory column in the National Review which declared their victory in thwarting New York marriage. Even though the battle rages on and there hasn't been a vote yet. National Review has since yanked the column and replaced it with something (slightly) less lie-filled. Who's the editor at that joint?

Frothy Mix: Liberals Are Conspiring To Keep Students Ignorant Of U.S. History

Frothy Mix: "This is, in my opinion, a conscious effort on the part of the left, who has a huge influence on our curriculum, to desensitize America to what American values are so they are more pliable to the new values that they would like to impose on America." Ed Shultz goes right to the Palin clips. Hah!

Tweet Of The Day - Elizabeth Hasselbeck

Pride 2011

Make sure you pick up a copy of Pride 2011 when you head out for your local events this weekend. I was the guest editor this year and I wrote the cover story interview with Dan Savage. Brag!

Blowhard Bill Donahue On NY Marriage

Catholic League blowhard and pedophile defender Bill Donahue reruns the same-old tired lies.

The threats to religious liberty are not hypothetical. A New Mexico photographer who refused to photograph a gay couple's commitment ceremony was forced to pay the couple's attorney's fees; Christians in New Jersey who objected to allowing a gay union ceremony in their privately owned facility have had their tax-exempt status stripped; a psychologist from Georgia was fired after she declined to counsel a lesbian about her relationship. And so on. In other words, there are real concerns that if gay marriage passes in New York, religious liberty will be jeopardized. That is why if this bill passes, it is imperative that religious rights be firmly locked in from the get-go. And it is nothing if not bizarre to insist that marriage be extended to two people who are positively disqualified by nature, and nature's God, from starting a family.

NOTE: Donahue rakes in over $400,000 annually as his salary for writing these blog posts for the Catholic Church.

Matt Barber: Right Wing Watch Are Creepy Cyber-Stalkers For Quoting Me Verbatim

Matt Barber has the same issue with Right Wing Watch that GOProud has with me. Damn those bloggers, always lying about them by quoting them verbatim!

FRIDAY: Blowoff NYC @ Highline Ballroom

The gay pride edition of Blowoff will bust its sweaty, furry self into Chelsea's Highline Ballroom this Friday. Doors open at 11:30pm. Advance tickets here. This party will probably sell out.

Quote Of The Day - NY Sen. Ruben Diaz

"If gay marriage advocates honestly believe they have a super-majority of New Yorkers in their corner, they should join with us to agree to permit a referendum to decide this issue. If they do not, their claims to represent the majority will ring rather hollow. This gay-marriage bill is not in the best interests of New York, it is not the choice of New Yorkers, and it is decidedly against the interests of the Republican party. The last time the Republican party caved on a deeply important social issue — abortion — it destroyed the party’s prospects for years." - New York state Sen. Ruben "I am the church AND the state!" Diaz, in a National Review column co-authored to the virulently anti-gay Michael Long of the New York Conservative Party.

Rolling Stone On Crazy Eyes

From an extensive Rolling Stone profile by Matt Taibbi:

Bachmann's entire political career has followed this exact same pattern of God-speaks-directly-to-me fundamentalism mixed with pathological, relentless, conscienceless lying. She's not a liar in the traditional way of politicians, who tend to lie dully, usefully and (they hope) believably, often with the aim of courting competing demographics at the same time. That's not what Bachmann's thing is. Bachmann lies because she can't help it, because it's a built-in component of both her genetics and her ideology. She is at once the most entertaining and the most dangerous kind of liar, a turbocharged cross between a born bullshit artist and a religious fanatic, for whom lying to the infidel is a kind of holy duty.

Definitely read the full article.

(Tipped by JMG reader Justin)

Red-Caped Anti-Gay Catholic Loons Bring Their Hate Campaign To New York City

Tony Perkins On GLAAD Controversy

"This incident exposes the seamy relationship between homosexual activists, government, and big business. For example, activist groups have persuaded some liberal jurisdictions to adopt 'equal benefits ordinances,' forcing corporations to offer 'domestic partner benefits' to homosexuals or forfeit government contracts. They then tout those benefits policies to bring pressure on other companies--never mentioning the policies were only adopted because of such 'pay-to-play' demands. After using government to pressure business, the activist groups may have used business to put pressure on the law this spring when it was rumored that Coca-Cola pressured law firm King & Spalding to drop the Defense of Marriage case--an action widely criticized in the legal community. But GLAAD crossed the line--even with their supporters--in accepting a corporate payoff in exchange for their own effort to pressure government regulators. Corporations would be on safer ground if they would steer clear of groups like GLAAD and simply remain neutral in the culture wars." - Tony Perkins, president of the SPLC-certified hate group, the Family Research Council.

Comfort Levels Around Pozzers

Andrew Sullivan points out an updated survey just published by Kaiser. Even in 2011, more than half of the respondents say they aren't comfortable having their food handled by HIV+ people. Embiggen for details.

Serial Adulterer Newt Gingrigh Had A $1M Line Of Credit With Tiffany

Sarah Palin Quits Again

Sarah "The Quitter" Palin has called off the second half of her much ballyhooed "patriotic bus tour" of American historical sites.

While the tour was never clearly defined with specific stops (especially to the media), Palin had made clear her intention to visit the very politically influential states of Iowa and South Carolina, which raised reasonable expectations that she had some sort of political goal in mind. Well it appears that those stops, and all others, have not been shelved and the Palins have retreated to their home of Alaska for the rest of the summer. Roughly a month ago, the entire media world seemed particularly vexed by Palin’s One Nation bus tour. Several prominent personalities wondered what was the point of Palin taking a tour through numerous swing states if not the most obvious explanation: running for President.

Focus On The Family: NY Marriage Will Destroy The Right To Be A Christian Bigot

Six GLAAD Board Members Resign

The controversy that prompted the resignation of GLAAD president Jarrett Barrios has widened to include the departures of six members of the group's board of directors. Politico reports:

Six board members of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation have resigned amid the fallout over the organization's letter in support of AT&T’s proposed bid for wireless rival T-Mobile, a person familiar with the matter told POLITICO. Some board members were said to have resigned because of concerns that GLAAD failed to adhere to its conflict of interest standards and to protest GLAAD's failure to protect its president, Jarrett Barrios, who submitted his letter of resignation to the group Saturday amid a growing backlash in the gay blogosphere over the group's AT&T stance. Barrios had signed the letter GLAAD sent to the FCC in support of the wireless mega-deal.

CANADA: Major Party Opposes Charity Status For "Ex-Gay" Groups

Canada's New Democratic Party has adopted a resolution opposing federal charity status for so-called "ex-gay" advocacy groups. Ex-Gay Watch provides a quote from a party delegate:

"Delegates, an investigation published in September 2010 by [the] LGBT news blog Slap Upside The Head revealed that Exodus Global Alliance, an ex-gay organisation, enjoys registered charity status with the Canada Revenue Agency. Ex-gay organisations claim that gay, lesbian, and bisexual people can be made straight. They take advantage of LGB people, often in vulnerable family situations or at grips with depression and self-hatred, and browbeat them—saying that LGB people never live happy lives, that we are unhealthy and unwhole, and that we never experience love and that the only hope lies in their therapies. [...] We see that they are selling snake oil with benefits given to them by the Canada Revenue Agency at present."

You can follow the campaign to revoke these groups' non-profit status on the blog Slap Upside The Head. We need to bring this movement here.

THE VIEW: Elizabeth Hasselbeck Defends Anti-Gay Bigot David Tyree

Jon Huntsman On Civil Unions

Swag Tuesday

Courtesy of the publisher, today's Swag Tuesday prize is the new autobiography from punk pioneer turned openly gay nightlife kingpin, Bob Mould. See A Little Light: The Trail Of Rage And Melody is available nationwide now on multiple formats.

From the start, Mould wanted to make Hüsker Dü the greatest band in the world - faster and louder than the hardcore standard, but with melody and emotional depth. In SEE A LITTLE LIGHT, Mould finally tells the story of how the anger and passion of the early hardcore scene blended with his own formidable musicianship and irrepressible drive to produce some of the most important and influential music of the late 20th century. For the first time, Mould tells his dramatic story, opening up to describe life inside that furnace and beyond. Revealing the struggles with his own homosexuality, the complexities of his intimate relationships, as well as his own drug and alcohol addiction, Mould takes us on a whirlwind ride through achieving sobriety, his acclaimed solo career, creating the hit band Sugar, a surprising detour into the world of pro wrestling, and most of all, finally finding his place in the world. A classic story of individualism and persistence, Mould's autobiography is an open account of the rich history of one of the most revered figures of punk, whose driving force altered the shape of American music.

Enter to win a copy of See A Little Light by commenting on this post. Only enter once and please remember to leave your email address in the text of your entry. Entries close at midnight on Thursday, west coast time. Publicists: If you'd like to take part in Swag Tuesday on JMG, please email me.

RELATED: This Thursday, Bob Mould will appear at the 92nd Street Y in Manhattan for special combined evening of readings from his book and performances from his lengthy catalog.

Gillibrand Pushes For NY Marriage

Survey: Most Oppose San Francisco's Pending Ban On Male Circumcision

The ballot referendum is a still a long way away, but it doesn't look good for San Francisco's proposed ban on male circumcision.

San Francisco voters 4:1 oppose a ballot measure that would make it against the law to circumcise any male child under the age of 18, according to a SurveyUSA poll conducted exclusively for KPIX-TV. The city lines up on circumcision this way:

* 26% see it as a harmless tradition.
* 47% see it as a medical procedure whose health benefits outweigh the health risks.
* 8% see it as a medical procedure whose risks outweigh the benefits.
* 9% see it as mutilation.

Women by 2:1 say they would circumcise a boy if they had a male baby today. Men split. Regardless of their feelings about circumcision, San Franciscans by 8:1 say the government should not be involved. Jewish voters oppose the ballot measure 18:1.

More Gingrich Staffers Bail Out

ALBANY: Bigoted Football Star David Tyree Delivers 63K Anti-Gay Petitions

Former New York Giants player David Tyree yesterday delivered 63,000 anti-gay petitions to lawmakers in Albany.

Last week, Tyree appeared in a National Organization of Marriage video saying that same-sex marriage would lead to "anarchy." On Monday, he spoke to reporters in Albany saying that gay marriage is bad for society and for Christians. "A moral fiber of a country is its laws, which is the essential make-up of government," said Tyree. "Once you allow same-sex marriage, it opens up the door for a continued softening of the backbone of our society which will eventually, for generations to come, open the door for – who knows? – polygamy, and all other types of the sorts," he said. "And in the sense where people do have strong Christian convictions, that takes away in a sense our religious freedoms because none of the things we believe essentially lines up with same-sex marriage."

Tyree told reporters that he would gladly give up his Super Bowl championship in return for stopping gay marriage in new York.

Jon Huntsman Makes It Official

Rise Against - Make It Stop

An awesome pop-rock track against gay bullying made in collaboration with the It Gets Better Project. Featuring a cameo by Dan Savage.

Marriage Is Between One Man And One Child Less Than One-Third His Age

Sixteen year-old aspiring country singer Courtney Stodden has married actor Doug Hutchinson, 51, whom you may recall played the weasely Percy Wetmore in The Green Mile. The happy couple plans a champagne toast to their nuptials in five years when the bride reaches drinking age.

(Tipped by JMG reader Blair)

Masterbeat.com Goes Out Of Business

Masterbeat.com, the popular gay-owned dance music commercial download site, ceased operations on Sunday.

Miss USA Contestants On Evolution

Church Sign Of The Day

(Source)

WI Judge Upholds Domestic Partners

Saying the system does not violate the state's ban on same-sex marriage, a judge has upheld Wisconsin's domestic partners registry.

Dane County Circuit Judge Daniel Moeser ruled that the 2009 law does not create a legal status for partners that is identical or substantially similar to that of marriage and therefore it does not violate the constitutional ban approved by voters in 2006. “The state does not recognize domestic partnership in a way that even remotely resembles how the state recognizes marriage,” Moeser said in the ruling. “Moreover, domestic partners’ have far fewer legal rights, duties, and liabilities in comparison to the legal rights, duties, and liabilities of spouses.”

The anti-gay Christian group that brought the suit says they will now appeal to the state Supreme Court.

New Yorkers For Marriage

The 51st and (reportedly) final clip in the series.

NY Sen. Greg Ball Calls For "Religious Protections" From Same-Sex Marriage

From The Top Enlisted Marine

"Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution is pretty simple. It says, 'Raise an army.' It says absolutely nothing about race, color, creed, sexual orientation. You all joined for a reason: to serve. To protect our nation, right? How dare we, then, exclude a group of people who want to do the same thing you do right now, something that is honorable and noble? Right? Get over it. We’re magnificent, we’re going to continue to be. Let’s just move on, treat everybody with firmness, fairness, dignity, compassion and respect. Let’s be Marines." - Command Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Michael Barrett, speaking to troops in South Korea.