Party Invite Story Was A Hoax

Josh Barro called it - that party invite story that made headlines a few days ago was a hoax pulled by two radio hosts at the Long Island station that first publicized it.

The alleged homophobic note sent by a mother in response to a birthday invite from two gay dads was apparently all just a hoax concocted by a local New York radio station. The note was posted to the station's Facebook page Wednesday. Readers expressed their disgust and offered support to the same-sex parents. It was shared across the Internet and covered by the media. Now, the entire incident has been revealed as a hoax drummed up by K-98.3's Steve Harper and his "Morning Show" co-host, Leeana. The two posted an apology note on the station's website Friday.

Here's the apology.

Dear K-98.3 Listeners, On Wednesday, we told you the story of Sophia's birthday party, and one parent's objection to the same-sex household of Sophia's parents. We also posted the invitation on our Facebook page, and invited comments from our followers. This story was, in fact, totally fictitious, and created by the two of us. This was done without the knowledge of K-98.3 management or ownership. We were attempting to spur a healthy discourse on a highly passionate topic, but we made a mistake by misleading our listeners into thinking that this specific situation actually existed. We are very sorry that we perpetuated this falsehood, even after it was clear that it had taken on a 'life of its own.' We deeply apologize for violating your trust, and we will work hard to regain that trust. Sincerely, Steve & Leeana.

Some are calling for the hosts to be fired.

Rosie O'Donnell Reveals Weight Surgery

Speaking at a Chicago event for the American Heart Association, Rosie O'Donnell yesterday revealed that she has had weight loss surgery.

O'Donnell had a Vertical Gastric Sleeve, a procedure that removes part of the stomach, in July 2013, one year after her heart attack. Rosie reportedly said that she has lost 40 pounds since the surgery, going from 230 pounds to 190 pounds, and added that doctors recommend she lose 40 more pounds. "I did what many woman do, and I did not take care of myself," Rosie said. "And that's why I'm here, to try to get women to know you're worth it, take care of yourself and know the symptoms."

O'Donnell had a heart attack in 2012 and credits a Bayer aspirin commercial for saving her life after she waited more than two days before seeing doctors, who then put in a stent. (Tipped by JMG reader David)

Billie Jean King To Attend Sochi Closing

Billie Jean King was unable to be part of the US delegation to opening ceremonies at Sochi due to to the death of her mother. But yesterday President Obama named her as part of the closing ceremonies delegation.

"I will use this trip to honor the memory of my mother and to further my mission of equality," King said in a statement to The Associated Press. "I am thankful to President Obama for including me and I look forward to supporting the men and women of Team USA in Sochi." Russia has been widely criticized for passing a national law last year that banned gay "propaganda" to minors. King and two other openly gay athletes — Brian Boitano and Caitlin Cahow — were selected for the delegation at the opening ceremony. Obama said it showed the U.S. doesn't make distinctions based on sexual orientation.

Also on the closing delegation are gold medalists Bonnie Blair and Eric Heiden.

WASHINGTON: Seattle Gay Nightclub Arson Suspect Allegedly Told Friend "Homosexuals Should Be Exterminated"

According to newly released court documents, Seattle gay nightclub arson suspect Musab Masmari told a friend that "homosexuals should be exterminated." This is the first evidence yet disclosed as to Masmari's possible motivation for setting the fire on New Year's Eve as over 750 patrons celebrated.

According to investigative documents filed in King County Superior Court, the 30-year old Masmari told a friend “that homosexuals should be exterminated.” That friend, a member of the local Muslim community, went straight to the FBI because he believed Masmari may have also been planning a terrorist attack. That friend became a confidential informant. According to the documents, Masmari first met the informant at Fatima’s Cafe near the Masjid at Taqwa Mosque on Seattle’s East Union Street, shortly after the fire at Neighbours. The informant contacted the FBI soon after meeting Masmari because he was "concerned" that Masmari "may be planning some terrorist activity" because he spoke of "something he's planning." The informant told investigators that Masmari told him "he had obtained a rifle." The unidentified informant also said that, in the numerous conversations after their first meeting, Masmari often expressed a "distaste for homosexual people,” and that Masmari "opined that homosexuals should be exterminated."

Masmari is being held on $1M bond on a single count of arson after being apprehended while trying to flee the country on a one-way ticket to Turkey. Last week the editor of Seattle Gay News demanded that charges be amended to include 750 counts of attempted murder. This latest disclosure may lead to federal hate crime charges.

2014 Senate Elections Map

This morning I spaced out on whether Sen. Mitch McConnell's seat is in play this year (it is) and that reminded me that we haven't yet taken a look at the 2014 Senate elections map. USA Today this week wrote about what it will take for the Democrats to hold the majority.

Democrats currently enjoy a 55-45 advantage in the Senate, including two independent members who caucus with them. Republicans would have to win a plurality of six seats in order to claim a majority. The Democrats also have more seats to defend, however. Of the 35 Senate races in November, 21 involve seats now held by Democrats — some in red states where Obama fared poorly during his 2012 re-election and where his approval ratings are low. Gallup reports that, for the year 2013, Obama's approval ratings averaged 43% or below in seven states with Democratic senators who are being contested this year: West Virginia, South Dakota, Montana, Alaska, Arkansas, North Carolina and Louisiana.  Obama and the Democrats are also running up against history: The party in control of the White House tends to lose congressional seats in the sixth year of the presidency. That's not always the case. Republicans had high hopes for the mid-term elections in 1998, with President Bill Clinton mired in the Monica Lewinsky scandal. But Democrats broke even on Senate races and actually picked up House seats that year. In the next presidential sixth year — 2006, with George W. Bush in the White House, and the Iraq War unpopular — Republicans lost control of both the House and Senate.

New Jersey is technically in play because Sen. Cory Booker has to run to hold the seat he won in a special October 2013 election. However he currently has no official opposition. Eight other Senate seats are open due to retirement. Right wing PJ Media is optimistic:

Senate Democrats are hit hard by retirements this go-round, some representing states that are almost certain to turn to Republicans. Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.), Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.), Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.), and Sen. Tim Johnson (D-S.D.) have decided to step aside. All with the possible exception of Johnson, who in 2006 suffered bleeding in the brain as the result of a cerebral arteriovenous malformation that has left him somewhat debilitated, would have been favored to win re-election. Now they are up for grabs. Of those five seats, three – West Virginia, Montana and South Dakota – are in states that President Obama lost by substantial margins in his successful 2012 re-election. Those three are considered likely Republican pick-ups. Senate Republicans face only three retirements – Coburn, Sen. Saxby Chambliss of Georgia and Sen. Mike Johanns of Nebraska. All hail from states former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, the 2012 Republican nominee, carried handily.

Ken Ham Denounces Pat Robertson

"Pat Robertson is so misinformed and deceived. Sad that so many will believe him (who is neither a scientist, nor a Bible scholar rather than open their Bibles and see that evolution and millions of years are totally incompatible with the first 11 chapters of Genesis and rather than think for themselves and check out creationist web sites like Answers in Genesis. He condemns Bishop Ussher (a brilliant Bible scholar and incredible student of history and ancient writings), but couldn’t even get the time of Ussher's life correct. Not the 1800s but 1581-1656. Oh, that God would convict and open the eyes of Christian leaders and Christian college and seminary professors, so many of whom are as uninformed and deceived as Pat Robertson. God have mercy." - Creation Museum director Ken Ham, who is very upset that Pat Robertson doesn't believe in Young Earth Creationism.

How Instagram Changed Fashion Week

Paper Magazine editorial director Mickey Boardmen on the lag between social media coverage and new items actually appearing in stores: "We have ejaculated five times before we're actually able to have sex with that piece of clothes. Not to be graphic."

Don Lemon Defends Johnny Weir

Yesterday Bilerico editor John Becker and CNN anchor Don Lemon tangled over whether Johnny Weir has a responsibility to denounce Russia's treatment of LGBT people.

Lemon stood up for Weir and argued that just because he’s gay doesn’t automatically mean he has to be vocal about gay rights all the time. John Becker took a decidedly different position, saying that just because someone is gay “doesn’t automatically make you an expert on LGBT rights,” and slammed Weir’s “ludicrously offensive” downplaying of just how bad the situation is for gays in Russia. Nicholas Benton, a friend of Weir’s, defended him and said he’s making an “important statement” not by speaking out, but through his behavior and his flamboyant attire. Lemon said Weir shouldn’t have to speak out. He argued, “It doesn’t make him a gay activist, nor should he have to be a gay activist because he’s gay.” That being said, Lemon did opine a bit about the idea of a “gay minstrel show” that doesn’t exactly help the cause either.

Becker: "Silence in the face of that law is tacit agreement with that law." Exactly. Watch the clip.

Post-Windsor Court Record: 100%

Slate recaps the last eight months of marriage cases:

Twelve decisions have addressed a substantive aspect of marriage equality since Windsor, and equality has won in all 12—with the Virginia decision now joining decisions from Kentucky, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah, and West Virginia, and two decisions each in Illinois, New Jersey, and Ohio. But six other cases since Windsor have addressed different aspects of discrimination based on sexual orientation, such as discrimination on juries and employment benefits, and the side of equality has won in all six of those cases as well. The tally is even starker when you look at the number of judges who have considered the issue. Since Windsor, in these 18 decisions, 32 different judges have considered whether Windsor is merely about the relationship between the state and federal governments or whether it is about equality. And all 32 of them have found for equality. In other words, 32 accomplished, intelligent lawyers, appointed by Democrats and Republicans, whose job it is to read precedent, have ruled for equality. Not a single one has disagreed.

Teabagger Vs Sen. Mitch McConnell

This nut is is actually running against Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) and not McConnell. But he wants you to know that McConnell looks like a turtle. And his dog agrees. Rifle, dog, pickup truck - it's the teabagger trifecta.

Actress Ellen Page Comes Out

Oscar-nominated actress Ellen Page came out today at a Las Vegas conference for LGBT youth. Via the Hollywood Reporter:

"I’m here today because I am gay," Page, 26, told the audience "And because maybe I can make a difference. To help others have an easier and more hopeful time. Regardless, for me, I feel a personal obligation and a social responsibility." "I am tired of hiding and I am tired of lying by omission," Page proudly and defiantly declared. "I suffered for years because I was scared to be out. My spirit suffered, my mental health suffered and my relationships suffered. And I’m standing here today, with all of you, on the other side of all that pain." Page first shared the inner turmoil she's felt since she was thrust into the Hollywood limelight following the blockbuster success of 2007's Juno. "It’s weird because here I am, an actress, representing -- at least in some sense -- an industry that places crushing standards on all of us," Page said. "Not just young people, but everyone. Standards of beauty. Of a good life. Of success. Standards that, I hate to admit, have affected me."

Watch her great speech below.

AFA Has The Chevrolet Sadz

It took the American Family Association a full week after the Sochi opening ceremonies to launch their complaint campaign against Chevrolet's beautiful gay-inclusive ad.

Chevrolet is helping drive the crusade to normalize two men having sex with each other as a "family." They threw in a couple of children to help legitimize the impression. On the opening night of the Olympics on NBC, Chevrolet launched two commercials showcasing homosexual men. As one national branding firm manager put it, "It's a very clear statement of what they believe Chevy stands for." Indeed. One ad showed quick shots of many different families, including a male couple with a son and a daughter. Another ad featured different images of America, including a shot of a gay couple getting married. "Like the old love, the new love starts with a kiss," a voiceover states. Politely contact your local Chevrolet dealer. Ask him to use his influence to urge the company to simply remain neutral in the culture war over homosexuality. Let them know the company is hurting local dealerships by taking sides.

Take a second and tweet your thanks to @Chevrolet. Or do like the AFA suggests and call your local dealership.

VIRGINIA: AFER And Marriage Plaintiffs Hold Celebratory Press Conference

Gun N Roses

 "Need an last-ditch idea for a Valentine’s Day present? Why not head over to the Utah-based online firearm store Impact Guns and enter their 'Gun and Roses' contest. All you have to do is give them all of your personal information and you will automatically be entered to win a Smith & Wesson 9 and two dozen roses." Source.

One Million Moms Vs Sports Illustrated

Just in from One Million Moms:

Dear Joe, The cover of the Sports Illustrated 50th Anniversary Swimsuit Issue features three topless models hugging with their backs turned and focuses on the thong bikini bottoms they wear. There is also a side view of one model's breast. The SI Swimsuit Issue is nothing but soft porn and most closely resembles Playboy magazine. This soft core pornography is displayed in many family stores, often at checkout counters which is extremely offensive, disgusting and disrespectful to families. This type of publishing is also degrading to women. Families should be able to enter supermarkets, convenience and drug stores without being subjected to indecency. Since SI is pushing pornography this magazine needs to be removed from stores, or at least moved to the magazine aisle so families can avoid being exposed to this filth. Customers can choose to avoid the magazine aisle, but they cannot escape when the magazine is displayed at the checkout counters and lanes. Also, SI should place this in a nontransparent plastic cover to protect minors who are browsing the magazine aisle. Send an email letter to Sports Illustrated now! Let them know they are pushing pornography and that this year's issue in particular is nothing more than soft porn. Also, request they only display their swimsuit edition on the magazine aisle in nontransparent plastic bags and away from entrances, checkout counters and lanes.

Bolding is mine.

KANSAS: Senate Leaders Vow To Narrow Bill That Legalizes Anti-Gay Dicrimination

Two days ago the Kansas House approved a sweeping bill that legalizes discrimination against LGBT people in virtually every aspect of life. Today GOP state Senate president Susan Wagle promised to narrow the bill, presumably to businesses in the wedding industry.

For starters, a provision that would allow government employees to refuse service to same-sex couples on religious grounds is completely out. Senate President Susan Wagle, R-Wichita, was emphatically clear on that point. “Absolutely. I believe that when you hire police officers or a fireman that they have no choice in who they serve. They serve anyone who’s vulnerable, any age, any race, any sexual orientation,” Wagle said. When asked if this was also true for a government employee who issues dog licenses, Wagle responded simply. “Public service needs to remain public service for the entire public.” Wagle, who was joined by Senate Vice President Jeff King, R-Independence, and Senate Majority Leader Terry Bruce, R-Hutchinson, also cited concerns from the business community as part of their hesitation to move forward with House Bill 2453 in its current form. She said the bill, as written, would hurt large and small businesses alike.

A spokesman for Equality Kansas reacted to Wagle's statement: "The religious community needs to have their religious freedoms respected, but the gay community needs have our rights as citizens of the state of Kansas respected. We’re not going to support any bill that singles out gay or lesbian couples either directly or indirectly through legalese."  Republicans outnumber Democrats in the Kansas Senate by 31-9.

RELATED: Today Andrew Sullivan posted a blistering reaction to the bill. An excerpt:

If you were devising a strategy to make the Republicans look like the Bull Connors of our time, you just stumbled across a winner. If you wanted a strategy to define gay couples as victims and fundamentalist Christians as oppressors, you’ve hit the jackpot. In a period when public opinion has shifted decisively in favor of gay equality and dignity, Kansas and the GOP have decided to go in precisely the opposite direction. The week that the first openly gay potential NFL player came out, the GOP approved a bill that would prevent him from eating in restaurants in the state, if he ever mentioned his intention to marry or just shack up with his boyfriend. Really, Republicans? That’s the party you want? As for the allegedly Christian nature of this legislation, let’s not mince words. This is the inversion of Christianity.

Gay Marriage Sadz Bingo!

Scott Wooledge (the guy behind #CheersToSochi) and I had a giggle cooking this up last night. This week I think we've got what the old ladies call a "bingo blackout!" Tweet it to your (least) favorite hater!

NOM Has The Indiana Sadz

"In Indiana, while the process is still not complete, it looks like the people have been betrayed by weak willed politicians. Despite 80% of the voters wanting the right to vote on marriage and despite years of promises, the Indiana legislature chose to 'kick the can down the road' by not restoring the 'second sentence' to the proposed Indiana Marriage Amendment. Because of this, it is very likely that the earliest voters can have a say will be 2016. NOM will continue to partner with our allies in Indiana, exploring various options for still getting a vote in 2014 and, failing that, to hold accountable the Representatives and Senators who betrayed their constituents and denied them the right to vote on marriage this year." - From a press release just issued by NOM, who has been super busy, what with their Virginia, Kentucky, and DOJ sadz this week.

VIRGINIA: Hate Group Blames Valentine's Day For Timing Of "Rushed" Decision

Liberty Counsel Has The Virginia Sadz

"This decision is outrageous and legally flawed. Judges would be well-served to read the U.S. Constitution and not invent or rewrite it. The Constitution cannot be changed by the stroke of a judge’s pen, nor does it bow to a judge’s personal ideology. The overwhelming majority of Virginia voters who make up ‘we the people’ voted to affirm natural marriage. Same-sex marriage, as a policy matter, sends the message that children do not need moms and dads. There is ample evidence that children fair best when raised with a mother and a father. Same-sex marriage is not the equivalent of natural marriage. Judges should be careful to render decisions grounded in the Constitution and the rule of law. Otherwise, judges and courts will render themselves impotent when the people lose confidence in the judicial system." - Hate group leader Mat Staver, in a press release which vows that Liberty Counsel will file an amicus brief in support of an appeal.

UGANDA: President To Sign Bill That Sentences Gays To Life In Prison

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni says that he will sign the bill that calls for up to a life sentence for those convicted of homosexuality. Via Buzzfeed:

This is a reversal for Museveni, who had written to members of parliament after the legislation passed in December that he had come to believe that homosexuality was a biological “abnormality” and not something that should be criminalized. He had also told Western human rights activists that he would reject the bill during a meeting last month. Museveni made his announcement during a retreat with members of his party, the National Resistance Movement, which has primarily focused on the party’s leadership as it prepares for elections in 2016. Museveni had been facing stiff pressure from his colleagues to accept the bill.

According to Museveni, he only decided to sign the bill after scientists convinced him that homosexuality "is not genetic." For several years, Uganda's so-called "Kill The Gays" bill has been pending. Today's action presumably means the death penalty is finally off the table.

RELATED:  Museveni has been in office for 28 years and the vote results of his 2011 reelection were contested by the European Union.

UPDATE: The Center For Constitutional Right, which is suing Scott Lively for crimes against humanity on behalf of Ugandan activists, has issued a response.

President Museveni has said he will sign the Anti-Homosexuality Bill and, in so doing, place the lives of countless Ugandans at risk. This dangerous legislation had already intensified the climate of hatred and persecution of the LGBTI community in Uganda. LGBTI Ugandans will become second-class citizens and even more vulnerable to violence and abuse. Right wing U.S. evangelical Scott Lively played a major role in the creation of the bill, and we will continue to hold him accountable in U.S. courts on behalf of our clients, Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG). The international community has a legal and moral obligation to prevent this law from being implemented.

Just Because

JMG reader Bobby sends us the cover shot from the latest issue of France's Character Magazine. Less office-friendly images are at the link.

Todd Starnes Has The Virginia Sadz

Big Dipper - Love Jam

You don't often hear "conundrum" in rap lyrics.

Freep This Missouri Poll

Right here. (Tipped by JMG reader AJ)

20 Members Of Congress Pose For NOH8 Campaign In Solidarity With Russian Gays

In an event tagged #NOH8OnTheHill, twenty members of Congress have posed for the famed NOH8 campaign in a Valentine's Day message of solidarity to the LGBT people of Russia. The sole Republican participant was Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), who has a transgender son.

"For our LGBT friends in Russia and in other countries around the world who feel oppressed by their government, we dedicate this Valentine's post to you. Today we show our gratitude for those in government who use their platform to speak out for the rights of all people," said NOH8 Co-Founders Adam Bouska & Jeff Parshley.

The fourth NOH8 On The Hill session was jointly hosted by Rep. Alan Lowenthal (D-CA) & Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) on the House side, and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) hosted on the Senate side. Rep. Ros-Lehtinen is the first and only Republican Congressman to pose for NOH8, while Senator Blumenthal was the first Senator to pose alongside Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM).

The newest #NOH8onTheHill session saw five additional Senators pose, including Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii. Coincidentally, this session was held on November 13th, 2013 -- the same day Hawaii's Governor signed marriage equality into law! Previous supporters Rep. Ros-Lehtinen and Rep. Al Green of Texas underscored their support by stopping in to pose for a photo once again, joined by Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-OH) and Rep. Mike Honda (D-CA).

Hit the link for all of the photos and messages of support from each participant.

White House: Thank You Edie Windsor

A message of thanks to DOMA champion Edith Windsor was posted today on the White House blog. The statement is attributed to White House Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett. An excerpt:

When the Court handed down its decision last June, President Obama called Edie from Air Force One to congratulate her on her victory. And earlier this week, the President invited Edie to the France State Dinner and the Oval Office to thank her in person. The thanks expressed by the President that day have been echoed by millions of Americans, including thousands of legally married couples who can now live their lives with greater justice and dignity – thanks to heroes like Edie Windsor who have been willing to stand up and fight for equality under the law.

Quite the lovely Valentine's Day timing. The photo is dated Wednesday, when Windsor was a guest at the White House state dinner honoring French President Francois Hollande, who guided his nation to marriage equality last May.

UPDATE: Windsor's DOMA attorney responds.

Catholic Bishop Has The Virginia Sadz

"Last night's decision by U.S. District Judge Wright Allen in Bostic v. Rainey, a case that deals with the Commonwealth's Constitutional definition of marriage as a union between a man and a woman, strikes a severe blow to the citizens of our Commonwealth. It undermines our right, as recognized by the U.S. Supreme Court in its recent decision on the federal Defense of Marriage Act, to define marriage and, moreover, ignores the express will of the people of Virginia who overwhelmingly supported the 2006 Amendment to the Commonwealth's Constitution. In striking down Virginia's Constitutional Amendment affirming the institution of marriage as a union between a man and a woman, Judge Wright Allen has not only totally ignored our state's rights under the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, she has also redefined marriage to the peril and detriment of our society.  We pledge to work with those who are defending our Commonwealth's Constitution and its definition of marriage and assist in any way we can to advance a vigorous appeal." - Bishop Paul Loverde, of the Virginia Catholic Conference.

Brian Brown Has The Virginia Sadz

"This is another example of an Obama-appointed judge twisting the constitution and the rule of law to impose her own views of marriage in defiance of the people of Virginia. There is no right to same-sex 'marriage' in the United States constitution. In fact, the U.S. Supreme Court has said that states have the preeminent duty of defining marriage. The people of Virginia did just that in voting overwhelmingly to affirm marriage as the union of one man and woman. That decision should be respected by federal judges and we hope that the U.S. Supreme Court ends up reversing this terrible decision. This case also leaves a particular stench because of the unconscionable decision of Attorney General Mark Herring to not only abandon his sworn duty to defend the laws of the state, but to actually join the case against the very people he is duty-bound to represent." - Hate group leader Brian Brown, who has had a whole lotta sadz this month. Pity.

Google's Valentine Tells Gay Love Story

Today's Google Doodle celebrates Valentine's Day. Click on the 4EVER YOURS heart for an audio telling of a gay love story. (Tipped by JMG reader Mark)

Come Together For Valentine's Day

The Independent reports on a new spot from the International HIV/AIDS Alliance which airs tonight on Britain's Channel 4.

The 60-second television spot, which has been described as one of the most provocative ads to be screened on British television, has already started tongues wagging amongst industry experts, and looks set to get pulses racing as well when it's broadcast at 11.45pm and 12.05am on Friday night - the only terrestrial showing it will receive. The aim of the raunchy advert is not to shock, however, Awo Ablo, Director of External Relations at the International HIV/AIDS Alliance explains: "It's arresting. Our motivation for the advert comes from something that we've known for a couple of years now. Our polling says that people, internationally, don't care about HIV/Aids." "We hope the advert educates in a way that it is joyful and expresses what we feel about safe sex: that it is something to be enjoyed and something that helps save lives."

Probably not office-friendly.

WYOMING: Dueling Marriage Bills Lose

Yesterday the Wyoming House voted down bills on both sides of the marriage equality issue.

The House first defeated a bill that would have changed state law to allow same-sex marriages. Later, it defeated another bill that would have specified that that Wyoming wouldn't recognize same-sex marriages performed elsewhere. Rep. Cathy Connolly, D-Laramie, sponsored the bill to permit same-sex marriages. The bill would have removed the state's current legal specification that marriage is a civil contract between a man and a woman. Connolly, a lesbian and a professor at the University of Wyoming, said that the federal government now recognizes all marriages, whether they're between people of different sexes or the same sex.

Wyoming does not have a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage and is one of nine remaining states not currently facing a marriage lawsuit.

Chicago Researchers Say They Have Found Genetic Link To Homosexuality

Via the Guardian:

A study of gay men in the US has found fresh evidence that male sexual orientation is influenced by genes. Scientists tested the DNA of 400 gay men and found that genes on at least two chromosomes affected whether a man was gay or straight. A region of the X chromosome called Xq28 had some impact on men's sexual behaviour – though scientists have no idea which of the many genes in the region are involved, nor how many lie elsewhere in the genome. Another stretch of DNA on chromosome 8 also played a role in male sexual orientation – though again the precise mechanism is unclear. Researchers have speculated in the past that genes linked to homosexuality in men may have survived evolution because they happened to make women who carried them more fertile. This may be the case for genes in the Xq28 region, as the X chromosome is passed down to men exclusively from their mothers.

Via the Telegraph:

Dr Bailey said: “Sexual orientation has nothing to do with choice. Our findings suggest there may be genes at play – we found evidence for two sets that affect whether a man is gay or straight. “But it is not completely determinative; there are certainly other environmental factors involved. “The study shows that there are genes involved in male sexual orientation. “Although this could one day lead to a pre-natal test for male sexual orientation, it would not be very accurate, as there are other factors that can influence the outcome.” Dr Alan Sanders, associate Professor of Psychiatry at Northwestern University, who led the study said that it was it was an 'oversimplification’ to suggest there was a 'gay gene.’ “We don’t think genetics is the whole story. It’s not. We have a gene that contributes to homosexuality but you could say it is linked to heterosexuality. It is the variation.”

Romney: Nobody Trusts Obama

Josh Feldman recaps:

Mitt Romney joined Megyn Kelly on Thursday night to take on the continuing problems and delays with Obamacare. Kelly reminded viewers that Romney warned about the problems with the health care law as far back as 2012, and tonight Romney said that the “breach of that promise” that people could keep their doctors and plans if they liked them has lost Obama the “confidence of the people” and “eroded the president’s capacity to lead."

America's Most Racist Pastor?

Via American Jesus:

Meet Brother Donny Reagan. He spews his vile bigotry every Sunday from the pulpit of Happy Valley Church of Jesus Christ in Johnson City, TN. If he’s not the most racist pastor in America, then he’s at least got to crack the top 10 list. You’ll see why in this clip where he rants about the sin of interracial marriage. Which, as you can see, isn’t grainy video from way back in the Jim Crow 1950s. It was recorded in 2013.

From the church's website:

Brother Donny Reagan is the pastor of Happy Valley and has the great task of providing spiritual food and guidance to a multitude of sheep with various needs on a daily and weekly basis. Brother Reagan is a very dynamic preacher who preaches what you need to hear and not what you want to hear. If you are searching for a pastor who has a shepherd's heart as we believe Brother Donny has, then we offer you the opportunity to join us for service or live stream from our website. It is our desire that we could help you start your Christian journey or in some way encourage you until we reach that glorious morning when we shall see our Lord in the air. May God Richly Bless You!

It's all quite unreal. "This is not Hitler. This is not Nazism."

Headline Of The Day

Seems about right.

Women Read From Gay Hook-Up Apps

"Women read real messages from Grindr, SCRUFF, and GROWLr. Happy Valentine's Day!" Perhaps obviously, this is very not office friendly.

Sen. McConnell Has The Kentucky Sadz

"I will continue to support traditional marriage and fight to make sure that Kentuckians define marriage as we see fit and never have a definition forced on us by interests outside of our state. I am a traditionalist, but regardless of one's personal view on the issue, we should be able to agree that only the people of Kentucky, through the legislative process, should have the authority to change the law, not the courts." - Sen. Mitch McConnell, who is very mad at the judge that he recommended for the federal bench.

Tony Perkins Has The Virginia Sadz

"It appears that we have yet another example of an arrogant judge substituting her personal preferences for the judgment of the General Assembly and 57 percent of Virginia voters. Our nation's judicial system has been infected by activist judges, which threaten the stability of our nation and the rule of law. This ruling comes on the heels of Attorney General Mark Herring's refusal to fulfill his constitutional duty to defend the state's marriage law. His lawlessness is an insult to the voters of Virginia who rightfully expected elected officials to uphold the laws and constitution of the state, not attack them as Herring has done.  An arrogant judiciary is only one of the major consequences of the drive to redefine marriage. Increasingly, Americans are being forced to finance and celebrate unions that not only step on free speech and religious liberty but also deny children a mom and a dad. Rather than live-and-let-live, this court by redefining marriage will create a level of inequality that has never been seen in our country as people are forced to suppress or violate the basic teachings of their faith." - KKK-affiliated hate group leader Tony Perkins, with the first in what will surely be a deluge of delicious, delicious sadz.

LGBT Groups React To Virginia Ruling

AFER

Through its decision today, the court has upheld the principles of equality upon which this nation was founded,” said Plaintiffs’ lead co-counsel Theodore B. Olson of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP. “Virginia’s prohibition on marriage for same-sex couples relegates gay and lesbian Virginians to second-class status. Laws excluding gay men and lesbians from marriage violate personal freedom, are an unnecessary government intrusion, and cause serious harm. That type of law cannot stand.” In November 2006, voters in the Commonwealth amended the state constitution to define marriage as solely between one man and one woman and ban recognition of any legal status “approximat[ing] the design, qualities, significance, or effects of marriage” for gays and lesbians.  Preexisting laws also banned same-sex marriage in Virginia. “The United States Supreme Court has stated fourteen times that the freedom to marry is one of the most fundamental rights—if not the most fundamental right—of all Americans ,” said Plaintiffs’ lead co-counsel David Boies of Boies, Schiller & Flexner LLP. “The denial of that fundamental freedom to marry the person you love and be treated with equal dignity and respect seriously harms gay and lesbian Americans and the children they are raising.” The American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER) is the sole sponsor of Bostic v. Rainey.

Freedom To Marry

The bipartisan momentum for marriage is building at an unprecedented speed. In just the past several weeks, federal judges in Utah, Oklahoma, and Kentucky; the Attorney Generals of Virginia and Nevada; the Governor of Nevada, and now a federal judge in Virginia have all said that marriage discrimination against loving and committed gay couples is indefensible under our Constitution. There has been a fundamental shift in the legal landscape. America is ready for the freedom to marry and those couples in Virginia, on the eve of Valentine's Day, are ready to marry.

Human Rights Campaign

“Yet another court has upheld the fundamental idea that gay and lesbian Americans are entitled to full equality under the law. Nearly fifty years ago, another Virginia case struck down bans on interracial marriage across the country, and now this commonwealth brings renewed hope for an end to irrational barriers to marriage for loving and committed couples across the country. “Following recent decisions in Utah, Oklahoma, Ohio and Kentucky this Virginia ruling proves that marriage equality is once again on the fast track to the United States Supreme Court. From the South to the Midwest, this historic progress sends a message that no American should have to wait for equality, no matter where they live. “Right now this nation is divided into two Americas—one where full legal equality is nearly a reality, and the other where even the most basic protections of the law are nonexistent for loving gay and lesbian couples. We cannot and will not tolerate that patchwork of discrimination, and we won’t stop fighting until fairness and dignity reaches each and every American in all 50 states.”

Lambda Legal

“This is a wonderful day for all loving and committed couples in Virginia who want only the same protections for their families as anyone else,” said Claire Guthrie Gastañaga, Executive Director of the ACLU of Virginia. “The court is right to strike down this sweeping and discriminatory ban. We congratulate the attorneys and their clients.” In her opinion, Judge Arenda L. Wright Allen wrote: “Gay and lesbian individuals share the same capacity as heterosexual individuals to form, preserve and celebrate loving, intimate and lasting relationships. Such relationships are created through the exercise of sacred, personal choices—choices, like the choices made by every other citizen, that must be free from unwarranted government interference.”

Equality Virginia

This is an historic day in Virginia. By sharing our personal stories and changing hearts and minds, Equality Virginia has been working toward marriage equality in the Commonwealth of Virginia for many years. The ruling finally puts Virginia on the path toward allowing lesbian and gay couples to marry the person they love here in the place they call home. I am proud that here in Virginia we are no longer asking if the freedom to marry the person you love will be a reality, but instead we are asking when. With this ruling, we are one step closer to gaining full equality for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Virginians. Today Virginia is standing on the right side of history.

BREAKING: Judge Strikes Down Virginia's Ban On Gay Marriage, Ruling STAYED

From AFER's website:

The Federal District Court ruled that Virginia’s marriage ban violates the U.S. Constitution. It said that loving couples like our plaintiffs, Tim Bostic & Tony London and Carol Schall & Mary Townley are entitled to the same basic rights and protections as every other American. This is a monumental victory—for Virginia and our country—and the first of its kind for a state in the South. While the decision will not go into effect immediately—it has been stayed pending appeal—this is a great cause for celebration.

UPDATE: The judge's 41-page ruling begins with a quote from Mildred Loving.

UPDATE II: Fugelsang nails it. Heh.

This Was Inevitable

Although I was expecting the title to be Dick Dynasty. Super very extremely totally not office friendly details are here.

Facebook Offers 50 Gender Options

CNN reports:

You don't have to be strictly a man or a woman on Facebook anymore. In a nod to the "it's complicated" sexual identities of many of its users, the social network on Thursday added a third "custom" gender option for people's profiles. In addition to Male or Female, Facebook now lets U.S. users choose among some 50 additional options such as "transgender," "cisgender," "gender fluid," "intersex" and "neither." Users also now have the ability to choose the pronoun they'd like to be referred to publicly: he/his, she/her, or the gender-neutral they/their. "When you come to Facebook to connect with the people, causes, and organizations you care about, we want you to feel comfortable being your true, authentic self," Facebook said in a post on its Diversity page.

I don't recommend the comments on the below clip.

AFA: Impeach Eric Holder

"United States Attorney General Eric Holder, this week, has again overstepped the boundaries of the law when he arbitrarily ordered that homosexual couples will now receive government benefits reserved only for natural marriage status. This applies even in states that have laws defining marriage as only between one man and one woman. Taking a nod from the playbook of his boss, President Barack Obama, Holder wielded his own pen and paper, trampling on states' rights and disenfranchising voters in states defining marriage as only between one man and one woman. TAKE ACTION! Urge your representative to press for the impeachment of Attorney General Eric Holder for high crimes and misdemeanors." - From an email sent today by the American Family Association to its supporters. The impeachment bill they cite was introduced over two years ago and still only has 24 House cosponsors. Even Rep. Randy Weber's laughably doomed bill has twice that many in less than a month.

Queer Nation Sends Valentine's Day Love Out To The World's LGBT People

Teabagger Senators Cruz & Lee Introduce Bill To Ban Feds From Recognizing Out-Of-State Same-Sex Marriages

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Teabagistan) and Sen. Mike Lee (R-Teabagistan) today jointly introduced a bill that limits the federal government to only recognizing same-sex marriages that are conducted legally in the state where the married couple resides. Last month a similar House bill, written by the Family Research Council, was introduced by Rep. Randy Weber. From Cruz's website:

“I support traditional marriage. Under President Obama, the federal government has tried to re-define marriage, and to undermine the constitutional authority of each state to define marriage consistent with the values of its citizens,” said Sen. Cruz. “The Obama Administration should not be trying to force gay marriage on all 50 states. We should respect the states, and the definition of marriage should be left to democratically elected legislatures, not dictated from Washington. This bill will safeguard the ability of states to preserve traditional marriage for its residents.”

Weber's bill now has 57 House cosponsors - all Republicans except retiring Rep. Mike McIntrye of North Carolina. The text of the Cruz-Lee bill and any cosponsors have not yet been posted to the official Senate legislation website. We presume it was also written by the FRC as the post on Cruz' website went up at the same moment as this post by Tony Perkins.

TEXAS: Wendy Davis Endorses Marriage

Democratic Texas gubernatorial candidate Wendy Davis today endorsed same-sex marriage and called on her election opponent, Texas AG Greg Abbott, to stop defending the state's ban.

“It's my strong belief that when people love each other and are desirous of creating a committed relationship with each other that they should be allowed to marry, regardless of their sexual orientation,” Davis told the Express-News editorial board. Davis, D-Fort Worth, said she is “pleased” that the state's constitutional definition of marriage, as being between a man and a woman, is under challenge in federal court. “I think that what we see happening at the federal level in terms of constitutional interpretations on that provide some hope that it may be found unconstitutional,” she said.

A spokesman for Abbott scoffed at Davis' statement: "Unlike Senator Davis' positions on the issues, the Texas constitution is not subject to change on the latest whims of the day. Senator Davis' comment suggesting the Attorney General not enforce the Constitution mimics an Obama-style approach to government, and Texans deserve better."

LIVE VIDEO: Full Indiana Senate To Vote On Same-Sex Marriage Ban UPDATE:No Amendment, 2014 Ballot Unlikely

LGBT Hoosiers and allies have packed the gallery at the Indiana Senate. Proceedings are due to commence at 1:30PM local time and can be viewed here.  Today two GOP Senators filed an amendment to reinsert the ban on civil unions.

Two senators — sponsor Dennis Kruse, R-Auburn, and Mike Delph, R-Carmel — have filed proposed changes that would restore the measure’s second sentence, which would ban civil unions and other similar arrangements. That sentence was removed in the House. A survey of senators by The Indianapolis Star shows that it has little to no chance of being restored on the Senate floor, but another maneuver could at least give the second sentence a chance to come back later. Sen. Joe Zakas, R-Granger, has filed a proposed technical change that would simply remove the numeral “(1)” in the portion of the resolution that defines marriage as between “one (1) man and one (1) woman.” That change wouldn’t affect the content of the amendment, but it would create a difference between the House and Senate versions that could give Republican leaders an opportunity to send HJR-3 to conference committee, where the second sentence could be restored later this legislative session.

At this writing, anti-gay hate groups are reportedly singing hymns outside the chamber.

UPDATE: Anti-gay GOP state Sen. Mike Delph says the bill will NOT be amended. Best news possible, short of the bill failing entirely, which is very unlikely. Let's hope this holds.

UPDATE II: The bill passed its second of three readings without an amendment.

Long Island Mom Nastily Rejects Party Invite From Child With Two Dads UPDATE: Josh Barro Calls Shenanigans

Long Island radio station K98 has posted the above to their Facebook page with this message:

Steve & Leeana [radio hosts] got this from a set of dads in Baldwin who were really upset over how one mom, Beth, chose to respond to their daughter's birthday party invite. Do you think she was right to write this? Would a simple phone call RSVP'ing "no" been better? BTW: Beth gave us permission to post her phone number and said anyone who has a problem with what she wrote can call her, too!

Commenters at the above link are divided over whether the station should have blurred out the bigot's phone number even though she apparently welcomes complaining calls.

UPDATE: MSNBC commentator Josh Barro believes that the station is pulling a hoax.

Lots of people sharing this around like it's confirmed. Have we not learned the Dayna Morales lesson? These notes are hoaxes. In this case, the radio station that ran the note said the nastygram author followed up with them, saying to go ahead and share her number with the public, so they could call if they had a problem with her. The phone number is 516.362.1357. It's a VoIP line with a voicemail box that sounds like an old-school answering machine. The voicemail box is not full. Also: The party hosts withheld their own names and yet are somehow willing to have their daughter Sophia's name splashed all over the internet. And their handwriting looks like my mom's. Have you ever met a gay man with handwriting like that? Fake. Fake. Fake.

Normally I don't report on these things and I ignored the lesbian waitress hoax that Barro mentions. What do you think? Barro makes some good points. (Except that I do know gay men with handwriting like that.)

Bryan Fischer: Bobby Jindal Should Refuse To Recognize Any Same-Sex Marriage Rulings Because I Love Black Men

Russia Expands Adoption Ban To All Countries With Same-Sex Marriage

Via TIME Magazine:

During an Olympics already mired in controversy over “gay propaganda” laws, Russia passed a statute Thursday forbidding single people (gay or straight) who live in any country where gay marriage is legal from adopting Russian children. Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev signed the measure as an amendment to the law passed last July forbidding all same-sex couples from adopting from Russia, the Wall Street Journal reports. The new decree will not affect American citizens, who have already been banned from adopting Russian children, regardless of their sexual preferences or marital status, since 2012.

More from Britain's Telegraph:

The decree, which is dated February 10 but was posted on the Russian government's website on Thursday, is officially intended to "help improve the procedure for transferring children without parental care to families of Russian and foreign citizens, and to protect the rights and interests of these children." The amendments to the Russian adoption law that were signed by Mr Medvedev include a bar on adoptions by "those in a same-sex union recognized as a marriage and registered an accordance with the law of states in which such marriage is allowed, and also citizens of such states who are not married."

Free Republic readers are celebrating.

Irish Queers Remind Us Of The 1991 & 1992 NYC St. Patrick's Day Parades

New York City's Irish Queers have posted a chilling flashback to the last time they marched in the St. Patrick's Day Parade:

Lest we forget where this all began, here's video from the 1991 and 1992 NYC St. Patrick's Parade. 1991 is the year ILGO marched in spite of the ban, with Mayor Dinkins, as guests of a progressive AOH contingent. The experience was so awful that ILGO refused to march again without full status -- as a contingent of out queers marching in their own community's parade. (Since then, much of the Irish and Irish American community has overcome their homophobia.) The next year, 1992, was first of many in which our protests were attacked or quashed and criminalized by the NYPD. In 1993, the parade organizers defined the parade in court as a "private, religious procession" in order to secure the right to their "explicitly anti-gay message."

The group continues to oppose the NYPD's participation. Mayor Bill De Blasio will this year break with longtime tradition and boycott the parade in support of the LGBT community.

(Via Good As You)