Newsweek Owner: Gayness Can Be Cured

Last year IBT Media co-owner Johnathan Davis and his business partner bought Newsweek from the Daily Beast. Earlier this month the 80-year old title returned to print with an article that has been met with controversy as its main subject denies being "the face of Bitcoin," as Newsweek's cover story about the virtual currency declared. In fact, the man claims to have never even heard of Bitcoin until a reporter contacted him. But the real story, for us here, is the revelation that Davis, an evangelical with ties to a fringe pastor, apparently believes that homosexuality can be cured.

Via the Guardian:

Davis said in an interview that their work and faith were separate, and that he wanted “the journalism to speak for itself” both at their new magazine and at the International Business Times, a news website that was IBT Media’s flagship title until it bought Newsweek. Similarly, he dismissed the notion that readers should be troubled by the little-known fact that he has personally endorsed the view, espoused by the so-called “ex-gay” movement, that gay people may have developed their sexuality as a result of being sexually abused as children, and can be cured by therapy to make them heterosexual. In a Facebook post in February 2013, Davis described as "shockingly accurate" an op-ed article written by Christopher Doyle, the director of the International Healing Foundation (IHF), which works to convert gay people. Davis said it “cuts like a hot knife through a buttery block of lies”.

Christopher Doyle, of course, is the well-known "ex-gay" crackpot and NARTH backer that has been featured on JMG many times over the years. In just one of his many outrageous claims, earlier this year Doyle declared that American gay activists are to blame for the religion-motivated murders of gay men in Africa. The Guardian asked Davis about that Facebook post:

When asked if he believed that gay people could be cured, Davis said: “Whether I do or not, I’m not sure how that has any bearing on my capacity here as the founder of the company. I’m not sure how it’s relevant. People believe all sorts of weird things. But from a professional capacity, it’s unrelated.” The post was then removed from his Facebook page.

After the Guardian story was published, staffers at IBT Media received the below statement from Davis.

I want to reiterate to all of you that our company, myself included, has and always will respect diversity in our workplace. This is reflected not only in our daily work but also in our hiring and personnel practices. Our team members are hired and retained based solely on their ability to perform the task. We welcome and support a diverse range of opinions and values. We believe this diversity is critical to success as a world-class journalism organization, and also creates a richer and more productive culture and environment for all of us.

Davis and his wife have fringe evangelical entanglements that go far beyond an endorsement of Christopher Doyle. Hit the first link and read the Guardian's excellent story.

VIRGINIA: Norfolk County Clerk Files Appeal Of Gay Marriage Ban Overturn, Claims Brothers Will Now Get Married

Attorneys representing Norfolk County Clerk George Schaefer yesterday filed an appeal of the decision that overturned Virginia's ban on same-sex marriage. The filing claims, among other things, that the legalization of gay marriage will lead to brothers getting married for the tax and insurance benefits. Just like brothers and sisters have done since marriage was invented by God.

"Same-sex marriage proponents want to open the door of marriage for their benefit and then slam it shut behind them. But, it will not be long before other groups come knocking," Schaefer's attorneys, David Oakley and Jeffrey Brooke of Chesapeake, wrote. "For example, if the definition of marriage is no longer based on procreation or the ability to procreate naturally, then what is the purpose in prohibiting marriage between persons of close kinship? Would it then be unconstitutional for two brothers who are confirmed bachelors and live together to marry so that they could reown property as tenants by the entireties, file joint tax returns, qualify for health benefits, and obtain better insurance rates?"

Schaefer is the original defendant in Bostic v. Rainey, which was first brought by AFER's Ted Olson and David Boies. Earlier this month Lambda Legal and the ACLU were granted permission to join the appeal now before the Fourth Circuit Court.

Prince William County Clerk Michele McQuigg has joined Schaefer in defending the ban and is being represented by the virulently anti-gay Alliance Defending Freedom, who yesterday also filed a brief which claims that gay marriage will lead to fewer babies being born.

Redefining marriage in Virginia conveys the message that "the Commonwealth is indifferent to whether children are raised by both their mother and father," McQuigg's attorneys wrote. "As the law and the Commonwealth convey these messages, it is likely that, over time, fewer man-woman couples having or raising children will marry, that marriages will become less durable, and that fewer children will be raised in stable homes headed by their married mother and father. "Some people, for example, might determine that their relationship will be enhanced by sexual openness, that their emotional attachment runs between and among a few partners at the same time, or that their marriage is no longer fulfilling because attraction has waned."

In January, Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring declared that he would not defend against AFER's suit. A three-judge panel from the Fourth Circuit Court will hear oral arguments on May 13th.

Tweet Of The Day - God

Just saw #Noah. Now I'm all nostalgic.
— God (@TheTweetOfGod) March 29, 2014

Appeals Court Upholds $1.6M Settlement To Lesbian Chef For Workplace Abuse

A New York state appeals court has upheld a 2012 judgement against a Manhattan restaurant owner who harangued his lesbian chef, regularly telling her that she would burn in hell. Courthouse News Service reports:

The owner of a Mexican restaurant in Tribeca who warned his staff weekly about the eternal damnation awaiting "gay people" owes a lesbian chef $1.6 million, a New York appeals court ruled. Mirella Salemi had sued Gloria's Tribeca Inc., Gloria's Tribecamex and principal owner Edward Globokar for violations of the New York City Human Rights Law. The defendants operate a chain of Mexican restaurants in New York called Mary Ann's. The conduct at issue occurred between 2004 and 2007. It is unclear who owns Mary Ann's today. Salemi complained that Globokar held weekly prayer meetings that were essentially mandatory because the restaurant staff feared they would lose their jobs if they did not attend. At these meetings, Globokar would repeatedly call homosexuality a sin, and say that "gay people" were "going to go to hell."

The owner had also told Salemi to dress more femininely and to marry a man and have children. (Tipped by JMG reader Kevin)

Uganda To Celebrate Anti-Gay Crackdown

This morning Pastor Martin "Eat Da Poo Poo" SSempa tweeted out the above notice of a parade to celebrate Uganda's crackdown against its LGBT citizens.

#TruvadaWhore

A San Francisco man has launched a Kickstarter-style campaign to sell the above t-shirt in protest of those who condemn HIV-negative men for taking Truvada as a daily preventive against infection.

"Be proud, you #TruvadaWhore. I support the #reappropriation of derogatory terms. I am against slut-shaming. I am pro health and wellness. I think PrEP is a great HIV prevention tool if it works for you. I am a #TruvadaWhore. $3.40 of each shirt will be donated on my behalf to my AIDS/Lifecycle fundraising goal of $3000." These American Apparel track shirts are super comfortable, perfect for the gym or the bar (Fitness SF and Powerhouse).

(Tipped by JMG reader Bill)

Matt Barber's Website: Bill Maher Should Be Publicly Whipped For Blasphemy

"I think it’s time to bring back blasphemy laws. Bill Maher is known for being an offensive anti-Christian bigot. It’s his trademark. But this time he’s gone too far. He may have protection under the First Amendment to say whatever slanderous thing that comes out of his toilet bowl brain, but that does not mean Christians should turn the other cheek. Here is an example of how America once dealt with the likes of Bill Maher. 'By whipping; boaring thorow the tongue, with a red hot iron; or sitting upon the gallows with a rope about their neck; at the discretion of the court.' America is hanging on by a thin thread of long-suffering divine justice. The pugnacious degenerate Bill Maher may think blasphemy is a laughing matter. The nation of America may think it can hide behind the First Amendment. And Christians may falsely think they are demonstrating Christlike love by remaining quiet in the face of profligate profanity. But mark my word, a day of reckoning is coming." - Tristan Emmanuel, in a post on Matt Barber's website.

The post has rocketed around the net since yesterday.

Dave Aude Feat. Andy Bell - Aftermath

Media Matters: Right Wing Rodeo

"The week's worst moments in conservative media."

Prime Minister David Cameron Celebrates Start Of Marriages In England & Wales

"The introduction of same-sex civil marriage says something about the sort of country we are. It says we are a country that will continue to honour its proud traditions of respect, tolerance and equal worth. It also sends a powerful message to young people growing up who are uncertain about their sexuality. It clearly says ‘you are equal’ whether straight or gay. That is so important in trying to create an environment where people are no longer bullied because of their sexuality – and where they can realise their potential, whether as a great mathematician like Alan Turing, a star of stage and screen like Sir Ian McKellen or a wonderful journalist and presenter like Clare Balding. We are a nation that is growing stronger economically because of our long term economic plan. But I hope we can also be a country that is growing stronger socially because we value love and commitment equally. Let us raise a toast to that – and all those getting married this weekend." - British Prime Minister David Cameron, writing for Pink News.

Marriages Commence In England & Wales

Same-sex marriages have commenced in England and Wales!

The law changed at midnight, with a number of gay couples vying to claim the title of being the first to be married in Britain by trying to time it perfectly so their vows are being said just seconds after the clock struck midnight. Among the first couples set to take advantage of the legalisation are Peter McGraith and David Cabreza, who have been together for 17 years. Speaking before his wedding, Mr McGraith said: "We are thrilled to be getting married. It is a mark of significant social progress in the UK that the legal distinction between gay and straight relationships has been removed. "Very few countries afford their gay and lesbian citizens equal marriage rights and we believe that this change in law will bring hope and strength to gay men and lesbians in Nigeria, Uganda, Russia, India and elsewhere, who lack basic equality and are being criminalised for their sexual orientation."

How nice that the newlyweds used this press attention to talk about the plight of our people in other countries.

TOMORROW: Activists To Picket Harlem Hate Church, Request Collective Stoning

Tomorrow ACT UP and others will picket Harlem's ATLAH World Missionary Church and demand that they be collectively stoned to death. Via press release:

LGBT activists in New York City are calling for a peaceful protest outside ATLAH World Missionary Church Saturday, March 29th, 11:30 a.m. The controversial Harlem church is located at 36 West 123rd Street at Lenox Avenue, on the Northeast Corner. (Take the 4,5,6 trains to the 125th Street stop. BX15, M116 buses to 125th and Lenox.) Harlem resident Jennifer Louise Lopez recently got tired of repeatedly viewing ATLAH Pastor James David Manning’s virulently homophobic public sign saying, “Jesus would stone homos. Harlem is a homo free zone.” Manning has a history of making strong homophobic statements that are often linked to attacks on President Barack Obama. The sign also recently read, “Obama has released the homo demons on the black man. Look out black woman. A white homo might take your man.” LGBT activists and supporters will sing songs and peacefully, and humorously, request a collective stoning. REAL STONES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED AT THE PROTEST.

I will post full coverage of the protest tomorrow afternoon.

Sam Smith - Stay With Me

Stereogum reviews:

The British soul singer and Disclosure collaborator Sam Smith has already topped the UK’s singles chart with “Money On My Mind,” and he’s the musical guest on Saturday Night Live this weekend. But for a star on the rise, Smith isn’t exactly crackling with electric charisma. Instead, he’s a slightly schlubby Rick Astley type with a fantastic haircut, and therein his charm lies.

Smith, 21, has done lots of gay press in Britain, but so far has left fans to speculate about his sexuality.

Ninth Circuit Court Of Appeals Might Review "Heightened Scrutiny" Ruling

In late January, a three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals invoked "heightened scrutiny" in its ruling that a gay juror had been improperly booted off the jury in a price-fixing lawsuit between two HIV pharma giants. As no federal court had previously applied heightened scrutiny to cases involving LGBT people, the establishment of that precedent has been widely hailed as a major setback for the enemies of civil equality.

In fact, just a couple of days after that ruling, Nevada Attorney General Catherine Masto withdrew her defense of that state's marriage ban, saying that in light of the Ninth Circuit's application of heightened scrutiny in the gay juror case, she could see no chance of  winning in the same court. The deadline to file an en banc appeal of the three-judge ruling to the full Ninth Circuit passed at the beginning of this month, with the losing side in the gay juror case saying, "AbbVie recognizes that the implications of the Court’s findings extend far beyond the underlying case. For that reason, we chose not to appeal."

So that's that, right? Actually, maybe not. Va SCOTUSblog:

A federal appeals court ruling that had appeared to make it harder for states to justify a ban on same-sex marriage, by raising the constitutional barrier to laws based on sexual orientation, may now be given a new look. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit disclosed Thursday that one or more of its judges have sought to review the issue further, so the court called for new legal briefs. This development in the Ninth Circuit case of SmithKline Beecham Corp. v. Abbott Laboratories (Circuit docket 11-17357) could be significant as federal appeals courts soon move into into several hearings on same-sex marriage. A common issue in those cases will be how tough a constitutional test a ban on such marriages must satisfy. [snip]

Now, at least one judge of the full Ninth Circuit has called for a vote on en banc review. That will be taken after the two sides in the case file the new briefs, which are due three weeks from today. If en banc review is set, that could mean that the hearing in the Nevada same-sex marriage case — on a date not yet set — would go forward with the state able to argue for the continued application of a lesser legal standard (“rational basis”), since that was the test established in the Ninth Circuit prior to the SmithKline ruling. The lawyers for the same-sex couples’ case could, of course, make the argument that the “heightened scrutiny” standard should be applied in their case anyway, relying — as the panel did — on the Supreme Court’s Windsor opinion.

Now we stand by to see what Catherine Masto does. (Tipped by JMG reader Matthew)

Sorry About That Auto-Play Ad...

An annoying auto-play ad is randomly popping up today on JMG, Towleroad, and other sites that use that network. They are working to squash it out of the rotation and it should be gone this afternoon. My apologies, folks.

Voters Like Gays More Than Evangelicals

According to a poll of likely 2016 voters commissioned by the Human Rights Campaign, voters view gay people more favorably than they do evangelicals. Via the Huffington Post:

On Thursday the Human Rights Campaign and Americans for Marriage Equality released the results of a study, entitled "Victory In Sight", conducted by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research and TargetPoint Consulting that investigated the nuances of voters' views on marriage equality. More than a simple matter of "Should gays and lesbians be allowed to marry?", the poll looked at shifts in opinions over time, reasons for such shifts, and differing opinions among ages, faiths, geographic areas and more.

The first question addressed acceptance, comparing voters' favorable or unfavorable feelings towards gays and lesbians and towards evangelical Christians. In a nearly 80% Christian-identified country, the results might surprise you. Fifty-three percent of voters said they felt favorably toward gays and lesbians, compared to 42% who felt favorably toward evangelicals. Eighteen percent said they felt unfavorably toward gays and lesbians, while 28% reported unfavorable feelings toward evangelicals.

Jenny McCarthy Trump

Billboard Of The Day

From the Refuse To Enroll website: "Citizens Council for Health Freedom has initiated a new billboard campaign as part of our ongoing 'Refuse to Enroll' effort. The exchanges are the Achilles' heel of Obamacare. They are also the IRS enforcement centers, the federal takeover centers, and the insurance status surveillance centers. We are focused on stopping Obamacare by stopping the Obamacare exchanges."

Southern Baptist Head: Gays Need To Know That Satan Is Controlling Them

"We do need to pray for our enemies, those that oppose us, because they’re victims. Our enemy is the Devil, our enemy is that old lion that walks about seeking whom he may devour and who is the god of this age and the prince of the power of the air and he has these people in their thrall. It’s not that we hate gays, it’s that we love scripture and love gays enough to tell them what the truth is. And the truth is that God does not condone same-sex sexual relations, period. They are an abomination to him and if we really love these people we are going to tell them the truth.” - Southern Baptist head Richard Land, speaking the radio show of the Family Research Council.

Harlem Hate Pastor: Homo Demons Assaulted The Bride Of Christ By Spray-Painting Our "Stone Homos" Sign

Manning claims that the NYPD is investigating the spray-painting of their sign as a hate crime. And that the person that did it is one of the homo demons unleashed by President Obama, "who is not of the human species."

BRITAIN: On Eve Of Legal Gay Marriage, Church Of England Softens On Issue

The Guardian reports that the Church Of England has softened its stance on same-sex marriage, which becomes legal in England and Wales at midnight today.

The Archbishop of Canterbury has signalled that the Church of England will mount no more resistance to gay marriage among churchgoers. "I think the church has reacted by fully accepting that it's the law, and should react on Saturday by continuing to demonstrate in word and action, the love of Christ for every human being." Justin Welby told the Guardian. His comments mark a shift in tone, if not substance, from a letter from the bishops last month that attempted to forbid the clergy from marrying same-sex partners, and which led to a furious backlash from supporters. At least seven clergy couples are preparing to marry in defiance of their bishops, though none are known to be planning a public ceremony.

Several gay couples are vying to be the first to marry tonight by timing their vows to be completed just seconds after midnight. (Tipped by JMG reader Eric)

NEBRASKA: Gay Divorce Appeal Filed

A Nebraska lesbian who five years ago married her partner in Iowa, has filed an appeal to the state Supreme Court, asking that the state grant her a divorce. A lower court last year ruled against her request and a broad ruling from the state Supreme Court could pave the way for marriage equality.

Before they tied the knot, Margie and Bonnie Nichols had lived in the same home for more than a decade. They exchanged rings in a 1996 civil union and brought a child into the world together in 2003, according to court documents. But like so many romantic partnerships, it didn’t last. While they no longer live together, their marriage remains. Lancaster County District Judge Stephanie Stacy in August dismissed their divorce case, rejecting arguments that the court could grant the divorce without recognizing the marriage. “A finding that the marriage is irretrievably broken — by its very nature — cannot be made without recognizing the marriage itself, and it stretches logic and common sense to conclude otherwise,” Stacy wrote in her order. The case currently is before the state Court of Appeals, but Bonnie Nichols’ attorney, Megan Mikolajczyk of Omaha-based Domina Law Group, has petitioned to get it kicked up to the state Supreme Court.

Yesterday the ACLU of Nebraska filed a brief in support of the appeal, which is being apposed by the state attorney general. The HRC writes today via press release: "There were previously six states without marriage-related lawsuits… but with the new case filed in Nebraska yesterday, we’re down to five: Georgia, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Alaska. Any bets on who’s next?"

BREAKING: AG Eric Holder Says Feds Will Recognize Michigan's Gay Marriages

Just in via White House press release:

"I have determined that the same-sex marriages performed last Saturday in Michigan will be recognized by the federal government. These families will be eligible for all relevant federal benefits on the same terms as other same-sex marriages. The Governor of Michigan has made clear that the marriages that took place on Saturday were lawful and valid when entered into, although Michigan will not extend state rights and benefits tied to these marriages pending further legal proceedings.

For purposes of federal law, as I announced in January with respect to similarly situated same-sex couples in Utah, these Michigan couples will not be asked to wait for further resolution in the courts before they may seek federal benefits to which they are entitled. Last June’s decision by the Supreme Court in United States v. Windsor was a victory for equal protection under the law and a historic step toward equality for all American families. The Department of Justice continues to work with its federal partners to implement this decision across the government. And we will remain steadfast in our commitment to realizing our country’s founding ideals of equality, opportunity, and justice for all.”

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder can suck it. Get ready for Sadz Friday!

UPDATE: The Human Right Campaign applauds.

Last week 300 committed and loving same-sex couples were legally wed in Michigan. As such they deserve the recognition and treatment that all other married couples receive. Attorney General Eric Holder has once again demonstrated his steadfast commitment to equality and upholding the core values of the U.S. Constitution by affirming federal recognition of these marriages.

Florida Road Rage Karma

Mediaite lays the scene:

A Florida driver with a serious case of road rage got what was coming to him, as captured in a video by the person he was tailgating. The driver in front couldn’t switch lanes and the weather was too bad for her to risk speeding, and yet the a-hole behind her was tailgating her as if it would will her to defy traffic law. She explains this individual “already passed a truck in a left turn lane, was tailgating and driving recklessly on a wet slick road, wasn’t paying attention, and all in all being an ignorant ass.” So, finally, when he was able to switch lanes and drive past her, he flipped the bird and drove away…

You can probably guess what happened next. The clip has gone viral with over 3M views in 72 hours. The woman is being criticized on some forums for using a cell phone camera while driving.

HAWAII: Catholic Diocese Schools Get New Employment Contract That Mandates The Firing Of Gay Teachers

Hawaii Civil Beat reports:

The Hawaii Catholic schools office, which supervises three dozen Roman Catholic private schools in the state, has just approved a new contract that says teachers can be fired if they engage in homosexual activity or marry someone of the same sex. The contract goes on to list a wide array of actions and behaviors that would justify termination. Among the other acts that could justify firing, according to the contract, are abortion, in vitro fertilization or "unmarried cohabitation." “The school expressly reserves the right to terminate the employment of any Teacher, who by word or example, denies the teachings or authority of the Church, or whose personal life or conduct is, based on Catholic teaching, immoral,” says a portion of the contract that was obtained by Civil Beat.

All full and part-time teachers must sign the contract, which goes into effect this fall. You may recall that during Hawaii's bitter same-sex marriage battle, Honolulu Bishop Larry Silva claimed that legalizing gay marriage would lead to children killing themselves.

MISSOURI: Gay State Rep Files Bill To Place Marriage Equality To Public Vote

Via Ozarks First:

A state representative has filed a proposal that would revisit the 2004 decision by Missouri voters to define marriage in the state Constitution as being between a man and a woman. Representative Mike Colona (D-St. Louis) has filed HJR 85, a proposed constitutional amendment that would ask voters to add language saying that a marriage may exist between a man and a woman and a same-sex couple. 71 percent of Missouri voters approved Constitutional Amendment 2 in 2004 that said to be valid and recognized in Missouri, “a marriage shall exist only between a man and a woman.”

HomoQuotable - Doug Mainwaring

"This whole disagreement stems not from gays being discriminated against by a society that wants to deny them rights. It stems from gays choosing to abandon certain rights. Gays reject the right to marriage. Most don't want marriage. They want something different from marriage. They want a committed, sexual relationship with another man. And in practice, sometimes these are monogamous, but let's face it: most evolve into open or semi-open relationships. If gays truly wanted marriage, they would find a nice girl, get a minister, get hitched, and settle down. But that's not what gays want. They want something that marriage is not. They want to slide into bed every night with a guy they love. They want to walk down the street hand in hand or arm in arm with that guy. They want to live a life with that guy in a house with a picket fence, maybe a pool in the backyard, and a dog and a cat. But that's not marriage. No matter how much you decorate your life together to make it look like your relationship is a marriage, it is not." -  Tea Party organizer and homocon Doug Mainwaring, writing for American Thinker.

The reason that I occasionally quote Mainwaring, should you be unfamiliar with his douchery, is that he is regularly trotted out by anti-gay hate groups like a two-headed snake at a backwater county fair. Hate groups love him because like that snake he's a rare mutation - a gay man whose obsessive mission is to inflame anti-gay hatred. Mainwaring opens the above-linked piece by printing several JMG comments from last week's post in which I quoted his declaration that gay marriage will be the end of human civilization. Mainwaring doesn't understand why JMG readers "don't have the decency to be civil" in disagreeing with him and must resort to "fourth-grade-girl sniping." After all, he says, name-calling is "what we learn to do in kindergarten." And then he calls you fat, old, and hairy. So there.

PREVIOUSLY ON JMG: Mainwaring gets discovered by Rush Limbaugh. Mainwaring speaks at NOM's hate rally in Washington DC.  Mainwaring joins fellow homocon Robert Oscar Lopez in filing an anti-gay SCOTUS brief against the overturn of DOMA. Mainwaring appears on a National Review panel with Maggie Gallagher and Mark Regnerus.

Theme To Sarah Palin's Reality Show: Three Minutes Of Red-Blooded Jingoism

In just under three minutes we get shots of trucks, shotguns, dogs, horses, cattle, fishing, wrestling, NASCAR - every redneck cliche except the meth lab. You can probably guess the lyrics without even listening.

Wonder Woman Sends Love To Tomboy

Last night LGBT ally Lynda Carter posted the above message on her Facebook page. Her fans are applauding and one responded, "Lynda Carter just became more of a hero to me for this post. This was me in the late 70's early 80's." (Via the Randy Report)

RELATED:  In 2011 Lynda Carter was the grand marshal of the NYC Pride parade, which took place less than 48 hours after Gov. Cuomo signed the marriage equality bill into law. She told the press that it was a privilege to have participated on such a historic day. Last year Carter was the grand marshal of Washington DC's pride parade.

World Vision Canada: We Are Legally Barred From Discriminating Against Gays

The US-arm of the global charity World Vision may have crumbled to bullying and boycotts by anti-gay hate groups, but that can't happen up north. From a spokesman for World Vision Canada:

Friends, we’ve been getting lots of questions about World Vision US’s hiring policy and I wanted to let you know that this does not affect World Vision Canada’s policies or actions. Canada’s legal environment is quite different from that of the United States. We comply with provincial laws on this matter which prohibit discrimination in employment. For example, as part of our hiring process, we do not ask questions about sexual orientation, marriage or related issues. However, when we hire, we are very clear about our values and our Christian identity. We explain how our Christian identity motivates and informs our work and how we work together here in Canada. While we have a code of conduct on ethical and legal issues, we don’t ask staff to sign a lifestyle code of conduct.

(Tipped by JMG reader Thogo)

NEW YORK CITY: De Blasio May Freeze Rents On Rent-Stabilized Apartment

While campaigning for mayor, Bill De Blasio regularly vowed to freeze the rents of New York City's one million rent-stabilized apartments. When he first made the promise, howling teabaggers knuckle-walked to their Twitter accounts to shriek that De Blasio was an "avowed Marxist." Gothamist reports that De Blasio appears to setting the stage to come through on that pledge.

No mayor has utilized this before in the 45-year history of the Rent Guidelines Board but, with his four new appointees named to the Board this morning, Mayor de Blasio looks like he's pretty serious about this one. A rent freeze would halt increases in rent for one million New Yorkers living in rent-stabilized apartments, which, contrary to popular belief, still exist actually exist somewhere out there in the gray void that is the NYC real estate market. And the newcomers to the Board are reportedly much more "tenant-friendly" than their predecessors under Bloomberg, most of whom were seen as landlord allies and Bloomberg devotees, enacting the highest increases in rent since 2008 just last year (4 percent for one-year leases, 7.75 for two-years).

In general, there are several requirements for a New York City apartment to fall under rent stabilization laws. The building must have been constructed between 1947 and 1974, it must contain six or more units, and the rent must be $2500 or less. Every year the Rent Guidelines Board sets the maximum percentage by which rents may be increased. 

RELATED: Contrary to what outsiders might infer from television and movies, only about 30,000 NYC apartments remain rent-controlled, as those rules only apply to tenants (or their "lawful successors") who have been in their units since before 1971.

NOTE: Don't bother trying to tell a teabagger that "avowed" means "said it himself." Obama, Biden, Gore, De Blasio - they're all avowed Marxists or avowed communists out there in Teabagistan.

Christian Video Game Makers: Satan Totally Ruined Our Kickstarter Campaign

The makers of an Old Testament-based video game say that their Kickstarter campaign failed because Satan told people not to donate. Via Polygon:

"I believe that, 100 percent," replies Richard Gaeta, a co-founder of Phoenix Interactive. He argues that since the launch of the Kickstarter for Bible Chronicles: The Call of Abraham, trouble has come into all their lives. "It's very tangible," adds his business partner Martin Bertram. "From projects falling through and people that were lined up to help us make this a success falling through. Lots of factors raining down on us like fire and brimstone." [snip] "If Satan is rallying some of his resources to forestall, delay, or kill this project, I think, this must be a perceived threat to his kingdom," adds Ken Frech, a religious mentor to the project. "I fully would expect something like this to have spiritual warfare. Look at the gospel accounts of demons and so forth. That's reality. Many Americans don't believe it anymore. That doesn't change reality."

The game makers, who are now seeking other funding, are biblical literalists and they say that if it happened in the Old Testament, it happens in their game. Including the story of Sodom, although because they want a kid-friendly rating, things don't get very graphic about why Smitey McSmiterton did all that smiting. Below is their failed Kickstarter pitch.

"Intactivists" Protest At White House

Teabaggers mocked the protest on Twitter with "No Blood For Mohel!" I confess, I snickered.

Even When It's Democrats Getting Busted, Perpetual Victims Shriek Conspiracy

Why is that the feds NEVER go after Democrats? [Feds go after Democrats.] Going after Democrats is a secret plot against the right! Malkin followed the above tweets with this: "I know the Obama/Holder DOJ is watching me. Hi guys. Prove me wrong. #cultureofcorruption." And I know that Marvin the Martian is pointing his Illudium Q-36 Explosive Space Modulator at me. PROVE ME WRONG.

Seen In Charlotte

Cannon, a Democrat, was arrested by the FBI on Wednesday and charged with theft and bribery.

Brian Brown Cheers World Vision Reversal

"The National Organization for Marriage is joining together with The Manhattan Declaration and Christian Union, along with many other pro-family organizations, to support World Vision for its courage in the face of what must be intense pressure from the same-sex 'marriage' lobby. We know too well how intolerant and vicious the activists out to redefine marriage and family can be. Standing up for marriage can be difficult in today's world, as you and I very well know. That is why it is so important to stand together with those who have the courage of their convictions to speak up boldly for marriage as God designed it." - Hate group leader Brian Brown, asking supporters to visit a Facebook page created to thank World Vision for caving to anti-gay bullies.

MICHIGAN: Gov. Rick Snyder Refuses To Recognize Legal Same-Sex Marriages

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder says that while he considers the 300+ same-sex marriages conducted last week to be legal, he won't allow state agencies to recognize them.

Snyder acknowledged same-sex couples “had a legal marriage.” But because of the court’s stay, he added, the gay marriage ban has been restored. The governor’s move closes the door, at least for now, to certain benefits reserved solely for married couples. The American Civil Liberties Union said more than 1,000 Michigan laws are tied to marriage. “We did our own homework and I believe this is a reasonable legal position to take based on the available literature and law,” Snyder told reporters

This afternoon the Human Rights Campaign called on US Attorney General Eric Holder to extend federal recognition to those marriages. Via press release:

The Department of Justice under Attorney General Eric Holder has been a remarkable leader in the fight for equal recognition of marriage for lesbian and gay couples. Their decision to recognize marriages performed in Utah during the period when gay couples were granted licenses was legally sound and morally right. The Human Rights Campaign has encouraged the Department to apply the same principles to the Michigan marriages that happened recently and we have every reason to believe that they will continue being champions of the LGBT community.

At Broadway Backwards 2014

On Monday night I attended the ninth annual Broadway Backwards at the Hirschfeld Theatre, where Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS raised $424,000 with their show in which men sing Broadway standards written for women and women sing songs written for men. As always, there were a galaxy of gay musical theater stars both on the stage and in the audience, again making Broadway Backwards the gayest night on Broadway - and that's no easy feat. The event benefited Equity Fights AIDS and the New York City LGBT Community Center.

The highlight of the evening for many was the performance by 99-year old Patricia Morrison, who in 1948 originated the role of Kate in Cole Porter's Kiss Me, Kate. When the curtain rose to reveal Morrison in a wheelchair glamorously draped in purple velvet, I thought the eldergay sitting next to me was going to need his nitroglycerine. After Morrison delivered a quite touching performance of Brush Up Your Shakespeare (from Kiss Me, Kate, of course), the house went wild with a raucous and sustained standing ovation. Tony winner Julie White, the show's co-emcee, came out and attempted to move the show along, but only added to the mayhem when she ad-libbed, "Ladies and gentleman, our next performer is...is..well, he's FUCKED." Because how do you follow that?

I particularly enjoyed super-cute shortie Andrew Keenan-Bolger playing a Starbucks barista smitten with a tall handsome customer in The History Of Wrong Guys from Kinky Boots. I told my buddy Mike that I just want to glue that guy to my dashboard and drive to Fort Lauderdale. Another treat for me was seeing my favorite Broadway diva Beth Leavel (Tony winner from my favorite Broadway show The Drowsy Chaperone) belt out a hilariously lesbi-fied version of She Likes Basketball from Promises, Promises.

Speaking of things lesbi-fied, Debra Monk opened her number by letting the audience know that the lesbian version of a cock-block is known as a clam-slam. Duly noted. Then she told this joke: "Did you hear about the lesbian who went to the gynecologist? The doctor said, 'You have the cleanest vagina I've ever seen!' And she said, 'Well, I have a girl come in once a week.'" Tip your waitress! Monk and Cass Morgan (both of them the co-authors and original cast members of Pump Boys And Dinettes) then launched into a charming duet of I Still Get Jealous from High Button Shoes which included a soft shoe routine that had Monk jibing, "Who says lesbians can't dance?"

I insist you watch all four compilation clips below.

Wires Crossed, Porno Pete?

MARYLAND: House Approves Transgender Rights Bill, Gov Has Promised To Sign

This afternoon a transgender rights bill was approved by the full Maryland House despite the usual hysterical screaming by Christian and anti-gay hate groups who employed the now-familiar specter of hairy men in dresses invading the public bathrooms. Via press release from TransMaryland:

In a big win for transgender equality in Maryland, today the Maryland House of Delegates passed SB 212: Fairness for All Marylanders Act with a vote of XX-XX. The bill, previously passed by the Senate in an overwhelming 32-15 vote, updates Maryland’s anti-discrimination law to include transgender people. This ensures that everyone is free to work for a living, secure housing, and get served lunch at a restaurant regardless of gender identity. The Maryland Coalition for Transgender Equality, a coalition of more than 50 organizations and individuals working to advance civil rights for transgender Marylanders, hailed the victory as the culmination of many years of work by the transgender community and allies. The Coalition praised bill sponsors Senator Rich Madaleno and Delegate Luke Clippinger for their hard work and thanked them for their leadership.

The bill now goes to the desk of Gov. O'Malley, who has promised to sign it. As noted above, one of the bill's major backers in the House was openly gay Del. Luke Clippinger who is a devoted JMG reader. And now we wait for the delicious, delicious sadz.

From Breitbart Columnist John Nolte

RELATED: A couple of months ago Nolte wrote a Breitbart post that celebrated Fox News being named "America's most trusted news source" in a newspaper poll. When I pointed out that he had conveniently failed to mention that the same poll also found Fox to be the least trusted news source, Nolte immediately blocked me.

Mozilla Staffers Launch Twitter Campaign Demanding Resignation Of New CEO

Technology news site ArsTechnica reports that numerous Mozilla staffers are today tweeting demands for the resignation of CEO Brendan Eich.

This morning, a number of Mozilla employees took to Twitter with a united, nearly simultaneous message to new Mozilla Foundation CEO Brendan Eich: "Step down." Brendan Eich's Prop 8 donations come to light, and internal response is mixed. The internal response began this morning with two tweets from Mozilla Open Badges project lead Chris McAvoy. "I love @mozilla but I'm disappointed this week." He then made a more pronounced declaration: "I'm an employee of @mozilla and I'm asking @brendaneich to step down as CEO." Within minutes, many other Mozilla employees followed suit, using similar language or copying each other's statements outright. Those included Mozilla Festival curator Chloe Vareldi, partnerships lead John Bevan, designer Jessica Klein, and engagement team member Sydney Moyer. McAvoy added that he feels fortunate to work at a company like Mozilla, "where I can say that without fear of retribution."

(Tipped by JMG readers Joel and Marc)

Open Thread Thursday

As today is the one year anniversary of oral arguments in United States Vs Windsor, let's hear from JMG readers who have stories about how Edith Windsor's historic win has personally affected their lives or the lives of friends and family.

Mozilla CEO Expresses "Sorrow" About Proposition 8 Controversy, Makes No Mention Of Changing Position On Marriage

"I am deeply honored and humbled by the CEO role. I’m also grateful for the messages of support. At the same time, I know there are concerns about my commitment to fostering equality and welcome for LGBT individuals at Mozilla. I hope to lay those concerns to rest, first by making a set of commitments to you. More important, I want to lay them to rest by actions and results. A number of Mozillians, including LGBT individuals and allies, have stepped forward to offer guidance and assistance in this. I cannot thank you enough, and I ask for your ongoing help to make Mozilla a place of equality and welcome for all. [snip] I know some will be skeptical about this, and that words alone will not change anything. I can only ask for your support to have the time to 'show, not tell'; and in the meantime express my sorrow at having caused pain." - Recently named Mozilla CEO Brendan Eich, in a blog post that does not mention his 2008 donation to the Proposition 8 campaign or if he now supports same-sex marriage.

Mozilla Chair Mitchell Baker: Our Corporate Identity Is Based On Equality For All

On Monday, internet giant Mozilla named Brendan Eich as its new CEO, drawing howls of protest and boycott threats due to Eich's 2008 donation of $1000 to backers of Proposition 8. Some have demanded that Eich be fired or demoted. Yesterday Eich's boss, Mozilla chairwoman Mitchell Baker,  responded to the furor on her blog.

Mozilla’s commitment to inclusiveness for our LGBT community, and for all underrepresented groups, will not change. Acting for or on behalf of Mozilla, it is unacceptable to limit opportunity for *anyone* based on the nature of sexual orientation and/or gender identity. This is not only a commitment, it is our identity. This commitment is a key requirement for all leadership within Mozilla, including for the CEO, and Brendan shares this commitment as the new Chief Executive Officer. [snip]

The CEO role is obviously a key role, with a large amount of authority. The CEO must have a commitment to the inclusive nature of Mozilla. This includes of course a commitment to the Community Participation Guidelines, inclusive HR practices and the spirit that underlies them. Brendan has made this commitment.Finally, I’ve been asked a few times about my own personal views, and so I’ll add a short comment.

I am an avid supporter of equal rights for all. I support equal rights for the LGBT community, I support equal rights for underrepresented groups, and I have some pretty radical views about the role of underrepresented groups in social institutions. I was surprised in 2012, when his donation in support of Proposition 8 came to light, to learn that Brendan and I aren’t in close alignment here, since I’ve never seen any indication of anything other than inclusiveness in our work together.

In 2005 TIME Magazine named Baker one of the 100 most influential women in the world.

MA Gay State Rep Reveals HIV+ Status, Resigns To Head HIV/AIDS Charity

Last fall openly gay Massachusetts state Rep. Carl Sciortino earned viral buzz with a cute campaign ad that featured his Tea Party father endorsing Sciortino's ultimately failed bid for the US House. Yesterday Sciortino revealed that he is HIV+ and will resign his seat in the state legislature to become executive director of the AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts.

“As a gay man living with HIV, I am honored to lead one of the country’s oldest and most effective organizations in the battle against this disease which has raged on over 30 years,” said Sciortino. “My goal for AIDS Action in the years ahead is simple: continue the work that has resulted in lowering the rate of new HIV diagnoses in Massachusetts; provide the multitude of services needed to keep those living with HIV/AIDS connected with health care providers; and continue the public conversation about HIV needed to reduce the stigma that is still so closely associated with this disease.” Sciortino will be the first person living with HIV to lead AIDS Action since its founding in 1982.

(Via Towleroad)

PUERTO RICO: Marriage Lawsuit Filed

A lesbian couple married in Massachusetts in 2004 has filed a federal lawsuit that seeks to overturn Puerto Rico's ban on same-sex marriage. Via the Washington Post:

The suit filed Tuesday by attorney Ada Conde challenges the constitutionality of Puerto Rican laws that define marriage as between a man and a woman, as well as those that prohibit same-sex marriage and the recognition of such marriages. Conde said she has been in a relationship for nearly 14 years with Ivonne Alvarez, an accountant and financial adviser whom she married in Massachusetts in August 2004.

“We wish to enjoy the same social privileges and contractual rights ... and not to be treated as we are being treated as second-class citizens,” she said. Conde is suing Puerto Rico’s heath secretary, who oversees the island’s demographic registry, as well as the registrar of vital records. Conde said the lack of recognition of their relationship complicated things when her young daughter had to have open-heart surgery for a second time and Alvarez could not participate in the decision-making process.

Puerto Rico has seen several recent advances in LGBT rights, including the 2013 passage of an employment anti-discrimination bill. However also last year a court upheld Puerto Rico's ban on gay adoption.

One Year Ago Today

One year ago today, Edith Windsor emerged from the doors of the Supreme Court to the wild cheers of hundreds of adoring fans following oral arguments in United States Vs Windsor. Three months later the Supreme Court ruled in Windsor's favor, setting off an avalanche of pro-LGBT changes by the federal government and a still unbroken cascade of marriage equality advances across the nation.  The above iconic image made the cover of Pride Magazine and people have told me that their copies are now framed and hanging in a place of honor in their homes. All hail Edith Windsor!

Charlotte Mayor Resigns Following Arrest

Democratic Charlotte Mayor Patrick Cannon today resigned after being handcuffed and perp-walked out of his office yesterday by the FBI.

Cannon submitted his resignation letter to city manager Ron Carlee and city attorney Bob Hagemann, Charlotte spokesman Keith Richardson said in an email. The 47-year-old Cannon is charged with bribery and public corruption. The Democrat took cash, airline tickets, a hotel room and the use of a luxury apartment as bribes and solicited more than $1 million more, according to a criminal complaint from the U.S. Attorney's office. Cannon said in his resignation letter that the pending charges "will create too much of a distraction" for the business of the city to go forward. He said it was effective immediately. "I regret that I have to take this action, but I believe that it is in the best interest of the City for me to do so," he said.

RELATED: Wingnut shrieker site Twitchy just published an apology to the Associated Press after running a headline that denounced the AP for not mentioning Cannon's party affiliation. In fact, the AP noted that Cannon is a Democrat in its second paragraph. The apology is buried at the bottom of Twitchy's updated post.

Freddy Scott: This Is A Trent Reznor Song

I've been a huge NIN fan since 1989's Pretty Hate Machine, which is my second-favorite album of all time, but this parody of Copy Of A is spot-on

FLORIDA: Jury Bias Investigated Over Gay Man Convicted Of DUI Manslaughter

A Broward County jury yesterday found a gay man guilty of DUI manslaughter for a 2010 crash that killed a member of the Miami Heat dance team. However the judge let the man go home with his partner after the verdict while a mistrial motion is considered over possible anti-gay bias on the part of the jury.

Mario Careaga, 46, faces 15 years in prison for driving drunk and crashing into the victim, 22, who had stopped her motorcycle on a gore along East Sunrise Boulevard at 9:38 p.m. on Sept. 10, 2010. Careaga was immediately handcuffed after the verdict was read, and members of the victim's family sobbed in the gallery. Careaga is gay, a fact the jury became aware of because one of the witnesses in the trial was Ray Stapleton, Careaga's partner of more than 20 years. Stapleton testified last week. Careaga took the stand on Monday. During Careaga's testimony, one juror was accused of mocking the defendant's voice after he asked for water. The same juror was accused of using an expletive to describe Bogenschutz. The juror denied both accusations, saying the only thing he did while Careaga was testifying was clear his throat. The courtroom was filled with friends, family and supporters of Careaga on one side and the family of the victim on the other. Both sides were quiet during the questioning of the jurors. None of the jurors confirmed the alternate's claims, but Holmes decided to hold off on formally entering the jury's verdict until Thursday morning, after she holds a hearing on the defense's motion for a mistrial.

Careaga's post-crash blood alcohol level was 0.24, three times the legal limit. His lawyer disputed that result, noting that witnesses reported that Careaga displayed no outward signs of drunkenness. The lawyer also pointed to surveillance video showing Careaga walking with no difficulty shortly before the accident. The high profile case has been hotly followed by South Florida news media, probably because the victim was a beautiful young girl. (Tipped by JMG reader John)

Bill Donohue: I Beat NYC Pride

"I want to be very honest with you. This was a ploy, and they took the sucker's bait. I wanted to push them to tell me when I didn't agree with your rules that you weren't going to go along with it. I won on it. I had no intention of marching in the parade. Let's just say that [parade training sessions] are totally legitimate. Again, that's their call. It's none of my business to tell them what their rules ought to be. My larger point was, 'You have rules. So does the St. Patrick's Day Parade'." - Catholic League blowhard Bill Donohue, speaking yesterday on a right wing internet television show.

Earlier this month Donohue was granted permission to march in this year's NYC Pride behind a banner that was to read "Straight Is Great." Donohue then weaseled out of marching, claiming that the parade's mandatory logistics meeting was a "gay training session." Donohue also yesterday claimed that he has photos of nude men masturbating and performing "Satanic dances" in front of St. Patrick's Cathedral during a 1994 "unauthorized" gay pride parade that was separate from the parade organized by NYC Pride. Hit to link to watch video of yesterday's interview.

Obama Meets Pope For First Time

Liberty Counsel Offers To Defend School Against Lawsuit From Tomboy's Family

Earlier this week a Christian grade school in Roanoke, Virginia earned international headlines for telling an eight year-old tomboy that she could not return to class until she looks more like a girl because her style of dress was sexually immoral. Yesterday the anti-gay Liberty Counsel offered to defend the school if the child's family decides to sue.

On Wednesday, Mat Staver, founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel and dean of the Liberty University School of Law, issued a statement saying Liberty Counsel would publicly represent the school. “This matter is far beyond a simple ‘hairstyle and tomboy issue’ as inaccurately portrayed,” the statement said. School business administrator Earl Prince said Wednesday the school would hold off on commenting further, at least for the night. Doris Thompson said she heard an apology from a Timberlake Baptist Church pastor who told her she should have been contacted for an in-person appointment, rather than receiving those concerns in a letter. She said forgiveness is something she’ll have to pray and think on.

The child's great-grandmother has told the press that Sunnie is too young to understand concepts like gender identity, but if Sunnie were to grow up to be lesbian or transgender, "I would love her that much more." (Tipped by JMG reader Smith)

Hate Groups Claim FBI Has Severed Ties With "Domestic Terrorism-Inspiring" SPLC

Multiple right wing sites are celebrating the FBI's apparent decision to remove links to the Southern Poverty Law Center from their website. Several anti-gay hate groups are claiming credit for the move after having formed a coalition to pressure the FBI to make the move. Also apparently removed from the FBI's website was the Anti-Defamation League. Via the Washington Examiner:

The Southern Poverty Law Center, which has labeled several Washington, D.C.-based family organizations as "hate groups" for favoring traditional marriage, has been dumped as a "resource" on the FBI's Hate Crime Web page, a significant rejection of the influential legal group. The Web page scrubbing, which also included eliminating the Anti-Defamation League, was not announced and came in the last month after 15 family groups pressed Attorney General Eric Holder and FBI Director James Comey to stop endorsing a group -- SPLC -- that inspired a recent case of domestic terrorism at the Family Research Council.

Abraham H. Foxman, national director of the Anti-Defamation League, told Secrets, “We are shocked, surprised and disappointed that this would be done without any consultation with groups such as ours who have been working closely with the Federal Bureau of Investigation on issues of hate crime. We look forward to having further conversations with them on this issue.” The FBI had no comment and offered no explanation for its decision to end their website's relationship with the two groups, leaving just four federal links as hate crime “resources.” The SPLC had no comment.

Note that the very first sentence from the Examiner is an outright lie as the SPLC does not consider opposition to same-sex marriage as a criteria for naming hate groups. If it did, there would be hundreds of organizations on their list, not dozens.

UPDATE: Jeremy Hooper refutes the claim at Good As You.

The FBI's hate crimes division still very much lists both orgs (plus NAACP, the National Asian Pacific American Legal Consortium, the National Organization for Women, the Human Rights Campaign, and the National Disability Rights Network) as partners in the fight against hate crimes. Both organizations are listed smack dab on the overview page, under "public outreach." There is absolutely no reason to assume anything untoward or see this as any sort of repudiation of anyone.

BELGIUM: Obama Slams Russia On Gay Rights During EU Keynote Address

President Obama yesterday delivered the keynote speech before European Union and NATO leaders in Brussels, during which he denounced Russia's campaign against its LGBT citizens. CNN reports:

"We believe in human dignity - that every person is created equal, no matter who you are, or what you look like, or who you love, or where you come from," he said. Later, Obama reiterated criticism of Russian intolerance spawned by a law passed before the Sochi Olympics that outlawed promoting gay rights to children. Western ideals and values of openness and tolerance would endure long past repression, he argued. "Instead of targeting our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters, we can use our laws to protect their rights," he said. "Instead of defining ourselves in opposition to others, we can affirm the aspirations that we hold in common. That's what will make America strong. That's what will make Europe strong. That's what makes us who we are."

Here is the president's speech in full.