News round-up and open thread
November 13, 2017
Community/Meta Transgender Rights
– The Trump administration asked for and was denied a stay in Lambda Legal and Outserve-SLDN’s challenge to the ban on transgender military servicemembers.
– There was a hearing last week in the ACLU’s challenge to the ban. The hearing involved the motions to dismiss and for a preliminary injunction against the ban. You can read the briefs at that link.
– With Supreme Court arguments in Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission coming up on December 5, here is information on the amicus briefs filed supporting the Commission and the same-sex couple.
This is an open thread.
Thanks to Equality Case Files for these filings
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77 Comments
1.
VIRick | November 13, 2017 at 11:59 am
Alabama: Another Roy Moore Sexual Molestation Accuser Comes Forward
Another woman has come forward to say that Alabama Senate Republican candidate Roy Moore committed sexual misconduct against her when she was a minor. The woman, who is so far unnamed, is making her charges publicly known, alleging that Moore sexually assaulted her.
She is not one of the women named in the recent "Washington Post" article, where a woman said Moore initiated sexual contact with her when she was 14, and several others described Moore pursuing them for “dates,” sometimes successfully, when they were teenagers. Moore has denied the charges of sexual contact with the 14 year-old, Leigh Corfman, as well as to supplying minors, Corfman included, with alcohol. Corfman is so far the only one to come forward who was under 16 at the time of the alleged incident.
The latest woman to come forward with allegations of misconduct will hold a press conference at 2:30 PM EST on 13 November 2017 in New York City, with her attorney Gloria Allred.
Some Republicans, like Sens. John McCain and Mitch McConnell, are calling on Moore to step aside in the race against Democrat Doug Jones, with polls showing Jones beginning to open up a lead over the scandal-ridden former judge. The election between Moore and Jones is now less than a month away, with Alabamans heading to the polls on 12 December.
https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2017/11/breaking-anot….
2.
VIRick | November 14, 2017 at 2:30 pm
New Reports: Roy Moore Previously Banned from Gadsden Mall and YMCA
The "New Yorker" published an article yesterday, 13 November 2017, that outlines reports of inappropriate behavior by Moore at the Gadsden Mall in the early ’80s. Two of the women in the "Post" story said they first met the former judge at the mall, and that several other women who used to work there remember him as being a frequent presence.
From "The New Yorker:"
This past weekend, I spoke or messaged with more than a dozen people—including a major political figure in the state—who told me that they had heard, over the years, that Moore had been banned from the Gadsden Mall because he repeatedly badgered teen-age girls. Some say that they heard this at the time, others in the years since. These people include five members of the local legal community, two cops who worked in the town, several people who hung out at the mall in the early eighties, and a number of former mall employees. The stories that they say they’ve heard for years have been swirling online in the days since the "Post" published its report.
“Sources tell me Moore was actually banned from the Gadsden Mall and the YMCA for his inappropriate behavior of soliciting sex from young girls,” the independent Alabama journalist Glynn Wilson wrote on his Web site on Sunday. Teresa Jones, a deputy district attorney for Etowah County in the early eighties, told CNN last week that “it was common knowledge that Roy dated high-school girls.” Jones told me that she couldn’t confirm the alleged mall banning, but said, “It’s a rumor I’ve heard for years.” Two police officers, who wished to remain unnamed, said they had heard about Moore’s unwanted presence at the mall.
Yesterday, 13 November 2017, a woman named Beverly Nelson (referenced in the post immediately above) held a press conference where she alleged that when she was 15, Moore sexually assaulted her in the parking lot of a restaurant where she worked.
At the time of all these incidents, Moore was the 32-35-year-old district attorney for Etowah County AL.
https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2017/11/locals-roy-mo…
3.
VIRick | November 13, 2017 at 12:16 pm
Costa Rica Vice-President Chacón Champions LGBT, Human Rights
Herman Duarte of Fundación Igualitos, a Costa Rica-based group that advocates for marriage rights for same-sex couples, organized an international conference, the Civil Marriage Equality Congress, in the Costa Rican capital of San José, alongside HduarteLex, his law firm that fights discrimination based on sexual orientation. Two Costa Rican advocacy groups — Acceder and Asociación Costarricense de Derecho International — co-hosted the gathering that took place at the Inter-American Institute of Human Rights in San José. The Vice-President of Costa Rica, Ana Helena Chacón, was among those who spoke at the conference, which is the first of its kind in Latin America to focus exclusively on marriage rights for same-sex couples.
The Costa Rican constitution establishes two vice-presidencies. Voters in 2014 elected Ana Helena Chacón and Vice-President Helio Fallas along with President Luis Guillermo Solís. Chacón was a member of the Costa Rican National Assembly from 2006-2014. She was the minister of public safety from 2002-2006.
Chacón told the "Washington Blade" that the Costa Rican Supreme Court in 2005 “was very clear . . . in saying that the recognition of economic and civil rights of people of the same sex were a matter of law.” In 2013, Costa Rica extended inheritance and other economic rights to same-sex couples who have lived together for at least three years (como unión civil de hecho) (as de facto civil union).
In 2015, Assemblywoman Ligia Elena Fallas introduced a bill that would extend marriage rights to same-sex couples. Chacón told the "Blade" that opposition among Costa Rican lawmakers remains strong. “Our legislature is a very fragmented legislature in which many ideologies exist and in which conservatism is also present,” she said.
Chacón — along with Panamanian First Lady Lorena Castillo and Panamanian Vice-President Isabel de Saint Malo — are among the handful of prominent political leaders in Central America who publicly support marriage rights for same-sex couples and other LGBT-specific issues. Chacón told the "Blade" that the separation of powers between the country’s executive and legislative branches limit what the current government can do to advance the issue. “We cannot do anything more than support the bill,” said Chacón. “However, at this moment the final discussion has not taken place.”
In 2016, the Costa Rican government asked the Inter-American Court of Human Rights for an advisory opinion on whether it has an obligation to extend property rights to same-sex couples and to change the gender marker on transgender people’s identity documents. Observers have noted this request may be a way to prompt a ruling in favor of marriage rights for gays and lesbians.
President Solís has extended hospital visitation rights to same-sex couples and mandated government institutions adopt what Chacón described as “important changes with regards to the acceptance of the name that a person wants to use.” Chacón — who has marched in the annual San José Pride parade and who spoke at a Madrid conference in June that corresponded with WorldPride — told the "Blade" the government has also ordered its institutions to fight discrimination against LGBT Costa Ricans who seek access to their services and ensure that trans people can receive hormone therapy and psychiatric treatment in public clinics.
http://www.washingtonblade.com/2017/11/13/costa-r…
4.
allan120102 | November 14, 2017 at 9:55 am
10 couples won an amparo in Veracruz and now they can get married. Lgbt organization in Veracruz said that couples need to go to the organization so they can get married as they were the ones who file for the amparo. http://heraldodecoatzacoalcos.com.mx/estado/xalap…
5.
VIRick | November 14, 2017 at 6:25 pm
Veracruz: Ten Same-Sex Couples Win Court Judgment to Marry
Veracruz: Diez Parejas del Mismo Sexo Ganaron una Resolución ante Juzgados.
This far more-accurate report concerns Amparo 641/2017, the very same amparo which was previously, and quite erroneously, reported as having granted something called an "amparo general" for all of Veracruz state, a concept which is alien and totally unknown in Mexican law. Instead, this account is much more plausible:
Xalapa, Veracruz, 14 de noviembre 2017:
Hay diez parejas del mismo sexo que podrán contraer matrimonio ante el Registro Civil del estado mediante el Amparo 641/2017 (emitido el 7 de noviembre 2017), ganado por la asociación civil Jarochos AC. El director de la asociación, Leonardo Ruiz, indicó que tras la resolución (más temprano) ganada en junio pasado, ya se han logrado realizar casi 30 matrimonios entre personas del mismo sexo, y que la cifra aumentará en los próximos meses.
“Habrá diez matrimonios, cuatro ya están en proceso. Van alrededor de 25 o 30 matrimonios igualitarios realizados en el puerto de Veracruz, Coatzacoalcos, y Xalapa.”
http://heraldodecoatzacoalcos.com.mx/estado/xalap…
Xalapa, Veracruz, 14 November 2017:
Because of Amparo 641/2017 (issued on 7 November 2017), won by the civil association Jarochos AC, ten same-sex couples can get married before the Civil Registry of the state. The director of the association, Leonardo Ruiz, said that after the (earlier) judgment won in June 2017, almost 30 same-sex marriages have already occurred, and that the number will increase in the coming months.
"There will be ten marriages, four are already in process. There have already been around 25 or 30 equal marriages realized in the port of Veracruz, Coatzacoalcos, and Xalapa."
6.
guitaristbl | November 14, 2017 at 12:07 pm
3 hours to go till the announcment of the results of the austalian marriage law postal survey. According to australian news sources a marriage equality bill will be submitted immediately in the senate but it will be rivaled by another bill that severely guts anti-discrimination legislation and that conservative senators and MPs back. It seems likely the first bill by Senator Dean Smith will prevail but the conservatives will try to drown it in homophobic pro-discrimination amendments.
There will be a fight for sure – but step by step – let's see the results first.
More info :
http://www.news.com.au/national/queensland/turnbu…
7.
VIRick | November 14, 2017 at 3:11 pm
Australia: Postal Vote Results on Marriage Equality
Per Rex Wockner, Cindy Aparicio, and Rodrigo Herrera:
As per the announcement made at 9 AM on 15 November 2017 (Australian EDT), Australian voters have approved the non-binding postal vote on marriage equality by a margin of 61.6% to 38.4% (with an extremely high 79.5% voter participation rate, representing 12,727,920 voters). Parliament is now expected to move fast, so that same-sex couples are likely to be able to marry before year's end.
Previously, voters have approved marriage equality proposals four other times: in Ireland in 2015 and in the US states of Maine, Maryland, and Washington in 2012.
https://twitter.com/Cindy_Aparicio
8.
allan120102 | November 14, 2017 at 1:43 pm
El salvador trying to ban same sex marriage. If it hapens it will probably happen in March or May. http://elmundo.sv/once-reformas-a-la-constitucion…
9.
VIRick | November 14, 2017 at 9:51 pm
El Salvador: Eleven Amendments to the Constitution Under Study by Assembly
El Salvador: Once Reformas a la Constitución Bajo el Estudio de Asamblea
La Comisión de Legislación de la Asamblea Legislativa tiene pendientes 11 proyectos de reforma a la Constitución de la República, entre las cuales destacan la prohibición de matrimonio entre personas del mismo sexo. De las 11 propuestas, ocho no han pasado la primera etapa de ser aprobadas con un mínimo de 43 votos, y tres esperan de ratificación con 56 votos de los diputados. Hay algunas que han despertado polémicas, como la reforma a los Artículos 32, 33, y 34 para prohibir el matrimonio entre personas del mismo sexo, en la segunda etapa, requiriendo 56 votos.
Esta Asamblea está inhibida de acordar reformas constitucionales entre marzo y mayo de 2018.
http://elmundo.sv/once-reformas-a-la-constitucion…
The Law Commission of the Legislative Assembly has 11 pending projects to reform the Constitution of the Republic, among which the prohibition of marriage by same-sex couples stands out. Of the 11 proposals, eight have not passed the first stage of being approved with a minimum of 43 votes, and three await ratification with 56 votes of the deputies. There are some that have aroused polemics, such as the reform of Articles 32, 33, and 34 to prohibit same-sex marriage, in the second stage, requiring 56 votes.
This Assembly is inhibited from agreeing to any constitutional reforms between March and May 2018.
Note: In El Salvador, any proposed constitutional amendment must be approved by two consecutive assemblies, in the first instance by a minimum of 43 votes, and in the second, by a minimum of 56 votes. The Salvadoran legislature is a unicameral body, made up of 84 deputies
10.
scream4ever | November 15, 2017 at 12:24 am
It's been attempted several times, and has always failed on the final hurdle.
11.
VIRick | November 15, 2017 at 12:58 pm
Yes, the right-wing Arena party always proposes these sort of retrograde measures, and has enough like-minded deputies in its corner to muster at least 43 votes. However, the left-wing socialist FMLN party have enough strength to block the proposal on the second vote the following year so that Arena is thus unable to obtain the required 56 votes on the second round.
12.
VIRick | November 14, 2017 at 3:00 pm
Zacatecas: Debate on Marriage Equality Bill Delayed
Zacatecas, 13 November 2017:
The debate on the marriage equality bill in the Zacatecas Congress, a PRD initiative, which was to have occurred today, has been delayed until next week due to intransigence on the part of PRI deputies.
http://zhn.com.mx/2017/11/13/prd-reprueba-estrate…
13.
allan120102 | November 14, 2017 at 3:08 pm
Breaking Australia vote YES 61.1 specifically. Congrats Australia https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2…
14.
VIRick | November 15, 2017 at 2:48 pm
Some Statistics on Australia's Marriage Equality Vote
Here's a detailed news article, breaking down the Australian vote by state, electoral district, percentage turnout, age, gender, religion, and whatever:
One point well worth noting is the overwhelming "Yes" vote in the two most-recent Liberal PMs' electoral districts:
Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s seat of Warringah recorded a 75 per cent "Yes" vote, while current PM Malcolm Turnbull’s electorate of Wentworth was an even higher "Yes" at 80.8 per cent. They were the top two Liberal-held "Yes" electorates in NSW, with Abbott’s electorate coming in 10th highest overall (of 150 Australia-wide), and Turnbull's third-highest overall (of 150 Australia-wide). Still, despite this, Abbott obstinately took to Facebook to “thank the 4.7 million Australians who supported marriage between a man and a woman,” while having absolutely nothing to say to the 61.6% majority, the 7,817,247 who voted "Yes."
Out of 150 Federal Electoral Divisions, 133 recorded a majority "Yes" response, and just 17 divisions recorded a majority "No" response. Most of the highest "No" responses came from Labor-held, working-class immigrant areas, despite Labor's pro-marriage-equality stance:
Number of electorates where more than 50% voted "No:"
NSW: 12/47
QLD: 3/30
VIC: 2/37
WA: 0/16
SA: 0/11
TAS: 0/5
NT: 0/2
ACT: 0/2
By jurisdiction, the ACT had the highest "Yes" vote at 74%, while Victoria was next-highest at 64.9%. Perversely, NSW had the lowest at 57.8%. Votes cast in Christmas Island and in the Cocos Islands were counted within the Northern Territory, while those cast from Jervis Bay and Norfolk Island were counted within the ACT, so all overseas territories also participated.
http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/gay-marriage/how…
15.
JayJonson | November 14, 2017 at 3:20 pm
Congratulations to Australia, whose marriage equality poll results are the following: 61.6% YES; 38.4 NO. Almost 80% of Australians participated. The results are decisive. I hope that Parliament will act quickly to bring equal rights to Australia! Of course, the haters will attempt to delay as much as possible, but I hope the weddings will begin before Christmas. So glad that Australia said YES.
16.
Zack12 | November 14, 2017 at 9:39 pm
Congrats to Australia!
17.
Sagesse | November 15, 2017 at 3:58 am
So gratifying to see. Seems to have dragged on forever.
18.
VIRick | November 15, 2017 at 3:44 pm
Out Lesbian Wins Oklahoma Election for State Senate
Allison Ikley-Freeman wasn’t expected to win her race for the Oklahoma state Senate in District 37. The out lesbian lives in one of the most conservative districts in Oklahoma, one that voted overwhelmingly for Trump in the presidential election.
In the most-recent previous election, Democrats dumped over $200,000 into the race trying to unseat the incumbent, Dan Newberry. Newberry beat that challenger by 15 percentage points, according to the "Tulsa World." But Ikley-Freeman had an advantage that the previous challenger didn’t: El Trumpenfuhrer. She won by 31 votes of 4437 cast, less than a 1% margin, so close the winner was not determined until yesterday, 14 November 2017.
While voters may have swung in Trump’s favor during the presidential election, his recent string of gaffes, attacks, and general nonsense combined with all the other Republican scandals was the tipping point for her new constituents. After Newberry resigned, Ikley-Freeman threw her hat into the ring as a candidate, and continued the recent trend of Democrats sweeping special elections in the state, the fourth such in Oklahoma in 2017.
https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2017/11/lesbian-wins-…
A second news article containing more detail can be found here:
http://www.washingtonblade.com/2017/11/15/okla-le…
19.
VIRick | November 15, 2017 at 3:56 pm
Pentagon Authorizes Gender Confirmation Surgery for Trans Soldier
The Pentagon will pay for an active-duty transgender soldier’s gender confirmation surgery, the first such procedure approved under a waiver, NBC reports. A source said the patient is a female infantry soldier. The waiver was signed by Vice Admiral Raquel Bono, head of the Defense Health Agency, on Monday, 13 November 2017.
“This afternoon, an active-duty military member received a sex-reassignment surgery. Military hospitals do not have the surgical expertise to perform this type of surgery, therefore it was conducted in a private hospital,” the Pentagon said in a statement. “Because this service member had already begun a sex-reassignment course of treatment, and the treating doctor deemed this surgery medically necessary, a waiver was approved by the director of the Defense Health Agency,” it continued. “The Supplemental Health Care Program will cover this surgery in accordance with the Department’s interim guidance on transgender Service members.”
Last year, a policy put in place by the Obama administration that allowed transgender soldiers to serve openly also provided coverage for such surgeries for active-duty members of the military. In August, the Assh-Ole-in-Charge signed a memo banning transgender soldiers from the military, and putting an end to future funding for gender confirmation surgery. This followed his tweet, where he first announced his intentions to keep trans people out of the military. He claimed to have conferred with his generals in making the decision, but as recent statements from numerous military leaders have brought that into question, Democrats have demanded proof.
In the meantime, a federal judge has blocked both bans, and lawsuits have been filed challenging the change in course.
https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2017/11/pentagon-buck…
20.
VIRick | November 15, 2017 at 4:08 pm
Assh-Ole-in-Charge's 5 Worst Anti-LGBT Judicial Nominees Still Waitng Confirmation
On 15 November 2017, the Human Rights Campaign released a list of the five worst Trump judicial nominees that still need to be confirmed by Congress. They are:
1. Jeff Mateer has been nominated to serve on the US District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. In a 2015 speech titled “The Church and Homosexuality,” Jeff Mateer objected to a transgender student using a restroom consistent with her gender identity, saying “I mean it just really shows you how Satan’s plan is working and the destruction that’s going on.” He defended then-Indiana Governor Mike Pence’s ‘license-to-discriminate’ bill and objected to efforts to alter the legislation. Mateer fought against non-discrimination protections for the LGBTQ community in Plano and San Antonio, Texas, and he even supports the dangerous and debunked practice of so-called “conversion therapy.” Mateer also claimed that marriage equality will lead to bestiality.
2. Damien Schiff, nominated to the US Court of Federal Claims, has been unabashed in his anti-LGBTQ views. He called Anthony Kennedy a “judicial prostitute,” opposed anti-bullying policies, opposed the decriminalization of same-sex relationships, and has been a longtime critic of marriage equality. In his writings, Schiff has encouraged parents to opt out of public schools in response to new curriculum that discouraged LGBTQ bullying and normalized families with same-sex parents; opposed the Supreme Court ruling decriminalizing same-sex relationships; defended supporters of Prop 8, falsely claiming same-sex couples had the same legal benefits as married opposite-sex couples before Prop 8.
3. Steven Grasz, nominated for a seat on the US Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, served on the board of a non-profit that backed the abusive practice of conversion therapy on LGBTQ minors and was unwilling to clarify his own views during his confirmation hearing. Grasz said that language protecting people on the basis of “sexual orientation” opened the door for protections for pedophiles and argued Nebraska should not recognize marriage equality in other states. Grasz also opposed allowing same-sex parents to adopt. The American Bar Association has deemed Grasz unqualified to serve in the position Trump has nominated him for.
4. Mark S. Norris has been nominated to serve on the US District Court for the Western District of Tennessee. Currently the Senate Majority Leader of the Tennessee General Assembly, Norris has voted to support legislation giving business a license to discriminate against LGBTQ people and supported a state law preventing local municipalities from passing LGBTQ non-discrimination protections. Among a host of other positions supporting discrimination, Norris opposed federal guidance from the Obama administration helping to protect transgender students from discrimination and harassment in public schools.
5. Stephen Schwartz, nominated to the US Court of Federal Claims, has a demonstrable anti-LGBTQ record. HRC joined in an opposition letter with 27 LGBTQ groups, including Lambda Legal and the National Center for Transgender Equality, opposing Schwartz. His work opposing equality includes defending North Carolina’s discriminatory HB2. He also notably served as co-counsel to the Gloucester County School Board in Virginia after it was sued by transgender student Gavin Grimm for discrimination. Grimm challenged the school board in court for denying him use of the boy’s restroom.
https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2017/11/trumps-5-wors…
21.
ianbirmingham | November 15, 2017 at 8:09 pm
Trump is trying to quietly reverse decades of social progress in America
https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-trying-quietly-r…
22.
ianbirmingham | November 17, 2017 at 6:52 am
Any comments from those who (pre-Nov '16) claimed Trump was pro-LGBTQ?!?
23.
ianbirmingham | November 18, 2017 at 7:44 pm
Trump releases updated short list of potential Supreme Court nominees
The updated roster omits Gorsuch and adds judges Amy Coney Barrett of the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals; Britt Grant of the Georgia Supreme Court; Brett Kavanaugh of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit; Kevin Newsom of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals; and Patrick Wyrick of the Oklahoma Supreme Court.
https://www.politico.com/story/2017/11/17/trump-s…
24.
VIRick | November 15, 2017 at 5:25 pm
Australia: Same-Sex Marriage Bill Introduced into Parliament
One day after the announcement that the Australian public had voted "Yes" for same-sex marriage, a bill has been introduced into the country’s Parliament to legislate for the change.
On 16 November 2017, emotions ran high as the bill was introduced into the Senate by out gay Senator Dean Smith, who said: “Yesterday, we saw a glimpse of the country we all yearn for, a country that is fair-minded, generous, and accepting. We saw a country that was willing to embrace its hopes rather than hold on to its fears."
Monday, 20 November 2017, is the first day that a same-sex marriage bill can be introduced into the House of Representatives, which is not sitting this week. However, many representatives took visitor seats in the Senate as Senator Smith’s bill was introduced. A bill must pass in both houses before it can be signed into law by the Governor-General.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2017/11/15/emotions-run…
25.
VIRick | November 15, 2017 at 6:20 pm
Bolivia: LGBT Groups Initiate Hunger Strike Following Constitutional Ruling on Marriage Equality
Bolivia: Colectivos LGBT Iniciaron Huelga de Hambre Tras Fallo Constitucional sobre Matrimonio Igualitario
http://www.ntn24.com/noticia/grupo-de-transexuale…
This news source, TeleNoticias24, does not allow me to do my usual copy-and-paste, but to say the least, from what it reports, there is a growing resentment within Bolivia over this Constitutional Tribunal's recent ruling, given that Bolivia has gone so far and tried so hard.
As the President of Bolivia has already discovered, and the members of the Constitutional Tribunal will soon learn, whenever one expresses anti-transgender views in that country, one is then perpetually hounded by a vociferously noisy group of Indigenous transgender women, in full traditional regalia, who closely follow one's every move, and who are quite disruptive at any/all public events,– forever.
At the minimum, a Public Defender (Defensoría del Pueblo), Tamara Núñez del Prado, has given 48-hour notice to the court to "make an amendment and to clarify their ruling" (el Tribunal tiene 48 horas para que haga la enmienda y aclarar su sentencia) on a law which has already been upheld by a lower court, and which had been duly promulgated by the Executive, following its 2016 legislative passage.
26.
ianbirmingham | November 15, 2017 at 8:07 pm
Powerful first-hand accounts from people in China who have been subjected to forced "gay conversion therapy" have emerged in a new Human Rights Watch report.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-41996322
27.
scream4ever | November 15, 2017 at 9:17 pm
http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/gay-marriage/sam…
I would've thought that the outback would've had many more no votes. It's also interesting how the suburbs had the most no votes, due to large minority populations.
28.
JayJonson | November 16, 2017 at 6:29 am
Yes, it is interesting that some Sydney suburbs voted No, particularly in those populated by new immigrants. But more interesting to me is how widespread the Yes votes were. Yes votes were the majority in 133 of Australia's 150 electorates. That is amazing. All six states voted Yes. Members of all parties voted Yes. All age demographics voted Yes. The picture that emerges is not of a country polarized over the issue, but a country united in support of marriage equality, however divided they may be on other issues.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/n…
29.
VIRick | November 16, 2017 at 11:23 am
Ohio: GOP State Rep Caught Having Sex in State Office with a Man, Resigns
Ohio state legislator Wesley Goodman (R) has resigned after admitting he was busted having sex with a man in his state office. The married, conservative, "family values" Ohio state lawmaker was known for his anti-LGBTQ stances.
House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger (R) said he spoke to Goodman after learning of the allegations and the now-former representative admitted to having consensual sex with the man in his Riffe Center office. “I was alerted to details yesterday afternoon (15 November 2017) regarding his involvement in inappropriate behavior related to his state office,” Rosenberger said in a statement to the "Columbus Dispatch." “I met with him later in the day where he acknowledged and confirmed the allegations. It became clear that his resignation was the most appropriate course of action for him, his family, the constituents of the 87th House District, and this institution.”
Goodman resigned after the meeting, citing “inappropriate conduct.” No charges of sexual harassment will be brought since the sex was consensual and the man was not a staffer or fellow legislator.
On Twitter, Goodman described himself as “Christian. American. Conservative. Republican.” (while apparently conveniently forgetting to include the most self-evident point, "self-loathing closet-case.") Several GOP insiders have intimated that there is video of the encounter filmed inside Goodman’s office (in which case he might have also wanted to describe himself as an "exhibitionist into voyeurism and humiliation").
https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2017/11/family-values…
The 87th District lies north of Columbus, stretching from Fostoria to Mt. Gilead. Ballotpedia already lists this seat as being vacant. It further states, "If there is a vacancy in the House, the seat must be filled by an election conducted by House members. Also, the election can only be conducted by the same members of the political party that hold the seat. A simple majority vote is needed in order to approve a replacement until the next general election" (on 6 November 2018).
https://ballotpedia.org/Ohio_House_of_Representat…
30.
VIRick | November 18, 2017 at 11:54 am
Tony Perkins Knew about Earlier Sexual Allegations against Goodman
A report Friday, 17 November 2017, by the "Washington Post" details additional allegations against Wes Goodman, who resigned from the Ohio House this week. A young man, who was 18 at the time, said Goodman — then a 31-year-old candidate seeking support from evangelical activists — “unzipped his pants and fondled him in the middle of the night” in a hotel room (at the Ritz-Carlton in Tyson Corner VA) two years ago after a (Tony Perkins CNP-sponsored) Washington fundraiser there.
The young man’s stepfather notified officials with the Council for National Policy, the Tony Perkins conservative group that hosted the Goodman fundraiser. And, according to the "Washington Post," email correspondence about the alleged incident also reached the group’s executive director, Bob McEwen, a former congressman who currently sits on the Ohio GOP’s state central committee (and who did nothing about the matter).
Tony Perkins, the group’s president and a prominent evangelical leader (and leading anti-LGBT nut-job), vowed not to sweep the matter under the rug (but swept it under the rug anyway), despite urging Goodman to drop his state bid, the "Washington Post" reported. “Going forward so soon, without some distance from your past behavior and a track record of recovery, carries great risk for you and for those who are supporting you,” Perkins wrote to Goodman in December 2015, adding that he was “obligated” to inform CNP members of the case.
But Goodman, 33, stayed in the race, emerged from a GOP primary, and then won the general election last fall. And he has now resigned, after having been caught having sex with a man in his House office in Columbus.
https://www.buzzfeed.com/henrygomez/republicans-i…
From this latest report, at least we now know what flavor of sex Wes was so eagerly looking for. But a lingering question persists: How does one just happen to find an (available or very naïve) 18-year-old in one's hotel room in the middle of the night?
31.
FredDorner | November 18, 2017 at 5:10 pm
Apparently prostitutes of all kinds have their best business during conservative conferences.
32.
VIRick | November 16, 2017 at 11:49 am
Pennsylvania: "Family Values" GOP Congressman Resigns
Here's another "Sordid Lives" encounter from October 2017 which we missed:
Republican Congressman Tim Murphy of Pennsylvania has not had it easy lately. First, the married politician was named in another couple’s divorce case after he had had an affair with the wife. Then, it was revealed that the anti-choice zealot had urged his own mistress to have an abortion during a fake pregnancy scare.
As the "Pittsburgh Post-Gazette" has continued to expose more lurid details and new scandals, Murphy, formerly a darling of the religious right, knew any future opponent’s campaign ads would destroy him. Not only had he lost the trust of his allies and backers, his voter base was also turning against him.
This morning (5 October 2017), the embattled hypocrite announced he wouldn’t run for re-election in 2018, but an announcement the same afternoon by House Speaker Paul Ryan sped up his departure date by about a year. As a result, according to "Politico," Murphy will now resign his seat effective from 21 October 2017.
"Politico" further reported that Murphy met with senior Republican lawmakers and the Speaker right after making his first announcement. His original decision was met with widespread opposition by fellow Republicans who thought he should resign immediately, but not solely because of his abortion scandal. The "Post-Gazette" had reported that Murphy had a contentious and abusive relationship with his staff, and Republicans were certain that ethics complaints would follow said allegations; by resigning his seat now, any ethics probes would die before even getting started.
https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2017/10/family-values…
33.
VIRick | November 16, 2017 at 1:01 pm
Same-Sex Marriage Being Debated in Jersey, Channel Islands
The largest of the Channel Islands has yet to recognize same-sex marriages, and for the first time, will be debating legalizing marriage equality later on today, 16 November 2017, when The States of Jersey, the legislative body, will begin debating changes to the marriage legislation, affecting 31 island laws overall.
Although The States first approved their intent to legalize same-sex marriage in 2015, the legislation has since faced several delays in its actually being introduced and debated. Currently, it is hoped that the revised laws will be in place by the spring of 2018.
For visitors from outside of the island, same-sex marriage is currently recognized in Jersey as a civil partnership.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2017/11/16/same-sex-mar…
34.
theperchybird | November 17, 2017 at 12:41 pm
They voted to support the idea, but weren't satisfied with the legislation that would overhaul all marriages, gay or straight. They said they need time for a bill that's up to scratch. It's the biggest update to marriage laws in ages so they decided to put a final (hopefully) debate in for January 30th.
35.
guitaristbl | November 17, 2017 at 1:21 pm
They have to get the process going. With Australia now effectively on board if Jersey moves forward with marriage equality the pressure on NI will be immense. The DUP is running out of breathing room, especially given the majority for marriage equality in Stormont and the categorical stance of SF that in order to reach a governmental agreement they need to allow marriage equality to proceed.
36.
scream4ever | November 17, 2017 at 2:28 pm
Then marriage equality will be the law of the land in every English speaking jurisdiction on Earth!
37.
VIRick | November 17, 2017 at 3:42 pm
Um, wait! The really difficult English-speaking jurisdictions are not even close to being on board with marriage equality. In fact, I predict that all the Spanish-speaking jurisdictions (including the most hopeless, Paraguay, Dominican Republic, and Nicaragua), some years hence, will beat the last of the English-speaking ones.
Lest we forget, there's a whole panoply of English-speaking jurisdictions (all British and ex-British colonies) scattered across the Caribbean, all the way from Central America (Belize) to South America (Guyana), with 15 other insular jurisdictions in between. At least none of the remaining Spanish-speaking hold-outs still criminalize same-sex sexual relations, as do 10 of the remaining 17 English-speaking ones.
38.
scream4ever | November 17, 2017 at 4:03 pm
Right I forget about those. Okay, I meant the last WESTERN English-speaking jurisdiction.
39.
VIRick | November 16, 2017 at 3:20 pm
Zimbabwe: Insanely Homophobic Robert Mugabe Now Under House Arrest
In Zimbabwe, after a military takeover of the government, the anti-LGBT president may be succeeded by his equally anti-LGBT vice president. Robert Mugabe, the intensely anti-LGBT president of Zimbabwe, has been placed under house arrest by his nation’s military, which from 14 November 2017, has seized control of the government.
Per "The Guardian" report: “The move by the armed forces appears to have resolved a bitter battle to succeed the 93-year-old president, which had pitted his former vice-president, Emmerson Mnangagwa, against Mugabe’s wife, Grace." It was further reported that Mugabe was in negotiations with the military on Thursday, 16 November 2017, his second day of house arrest.
Many military leaders support the appointment of Mnangagwa as president. Unfortunately, he has largely endorsed Mugabe’s anti-LGBT stances.
https://www.advocate.com/world/2017/11/16/homopho…
40.
ianbirmingham | November 18, 2017 at 7:52 pm
Collapse of Zimbabwe dictatorship caused by social media video from nightclub
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5095399/M…
41.
VIRick | November 16, 2017 at 4:53 pm
9th Circuit Court of Appeals Upholds Ruling in DACA Cases
Per Equality Case Files:
On 16 November 2017, in "Regents of the University of California v. Dept. of Homeland Security" and related cases (5 related cases, all filed in California federal court, challenging the decision to rescind the DACA program), a panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, in a 2-1 decision, upheld the district court order requiring the federal defendants to submit additional records related to the decision to rescind the DACA policy. Judge Watford dissented.
On 17 October 2017, District Court Judge Alsup ordered the federal government to turn over additional “highly relevant” material as a supplement to the administrative record on how the administration reached its decision to rescind the policy.
The federal government defendants petitioned the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals for an order to vacate the district court order. The 9th Circuit panel ordered briefing on the petition and heard oral argument on 9 November 2017. At the time, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals also issued a stay of the order pending consideration of the petition; that stay has now been lifted.
The order and dissenting opinion are here:
http://files.eqcf.org/cases/17-72917-35/
42.
VIRick | November 16, 2017 at 6:34 pm
Chile: Presidential and Congressional Elections this Sunday
This Sunday, 19 November 2017, Chileans will be going to the polls to choose from among 8 presidential hopefuls in the first round of that country's presidential elections. The top 2 vote-getters will then face-off against each other in the second round of balloting, scheduled for a later date.
Only 2 of the 8 candidates, ex-president Sebastián Piñera (but one of the favorites) and José Antonio Kast, oppose the granting of marriage equality in Chile.
In addition, on this same Sunday, Chileans will also be voting for their parliamentary candidates for both houses of the Chilean Congress.
http://www.dw.com/es/elecciones-presidenciales-en…
43.
scream4ever | November 16, 2017 at 7:23 pm
If they fail to pass the bill, our side can simply sue again, as per what happened in Colombia.
44.
VIRick | November 16, 2017 at 11:46 pm
Scream, Karen Atala, having already won her first suit against the government of Chile before the CIDH, is threatening to do precisely that. If this must occur, in her second suit, I am certain she can cite the government's violation of the specific time-frame established by the settlement agreement of the first suit.
45.
VIRick | November 16, 2017 at 6:58 pm
Chihuahua: State's Definition of Marriage Unconstitutional, Supreme Court
per Burdas Magazine de Chile, Mildred León, y Cheros AC de Chihuahua:
For the umpteenth time, Mexico's Supreme Court has declared the unconstitutionality of the definition of marriage as being the union of one man and one woman, as established in the Civil Code of Chihuahua, per amparo in revision 1052/2016, First Chamber, SCJN, 15 November 2017.
Por cuántas veces, la SCJN declaró la inconstitucionalidad de la definición de matrimonio como la unión de un solo hombre y una sola mujer, establecida en el Código Civil de Chihuahua, per amparo en revisión 1052/2016, Primera Sala SCJN, 15 noviembre 2017.
https://twitter.com/hashtag/matrimonioigualitario…
46.
VIRick | November 17, 2017 at 1:14 pm
Rainbow Railroad, Canadian Group Resettling LGBT Refugees from Chechnya
Kimahli Powell is the executive director of Rainbow Railroad, an organization based in Canada that works to help “LGBT people who have faced physical violence or face an imminent threat of violence, imprisonment, or death” find safety.
“We are really the only organization in the world focused on this scope of LGBTQI emergency travel,” Powell told the "Washington Blade" during a recent telephone interview. “We immediately went to work when we heard that there were safe houses being established by the Russian LGBT Network (a Moscow-based advocacy group) for individuals who escaped Chechnya.”
Powell told the "Blade" that Rainbow Railroad has helped to resettle close to 50 LGBT people who have fled Chechnya. The majority of them have resettled in Canada, but some have gone to other countries. Distance was one of the factors in resettling victims from Chechnya, both to get the men away from the “stranglehold” of their families and away from the large Chechen diaspora in Europe.
http://www.washingtonblade.com/2017/11/17/canadia…
47.
ianbirmingham | November 19, 2017 at 9:56 am
Turkey bans all LGBT events in its capital (Ankara).
https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/turkey/1…
48.
VIRick | November 19, 2017 at 12:52 pm
Turkish Capital, Ankara, Suspends all LGBT Events
Per EP Internacional of Spain:
La capital de Turquía suspende indefinidamente cualquier representación pública de temática LGBT, películas y obras teatrales incluidas, por "motivos de seguridad."
https://twitter.com/EPinternacional/status/932196…
The capital of Turkey indefinitely suspends any public representation of LGBT themes, films and theatrical works included, for "security reasons."
49.
VIRick | November 19, 2017 at 11:55 am
LaToya Cantrell Elected First Female Mayor of New Orleans
New Orleans voters elected LaToya Cantrell as mayor Saturday, 18 November 2017, making her the first woman to hold that position in the city's 300-year history. Cantrell, a city councilwoman, got 60% of the votes over her opponent, former municipal court Judge Desiree Charbonnet, according to the Louisiana Secretary of State's office.
The two women earned spots for Saturday's runoff election after the October general election. Cantrell, an activist-turned-politician, will succeed Mayor Mitch Landrieu in May as the city marks the 300th anniversary of its founding. She rose to prominence as a neighborhood activist in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/latoya-cantrell-…
50.
VIRick | November 19, 2017 at 12:05 pm
5 Men Sue California City to Stop Undercover Gay Sex Stings
Five men in San Jose CA have filed a federal lawsuit saying that their Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment rights were violated by an undercover gay sex sting. The men were arrested in 2014 and 2015 in a 17-month operation at a park known to be a place where gay and bisexual men often meet. They were not accused of having sex in public, only of loitering with the intent to commit a lewd act, and one of them even said that he was arrested after he rejected the decoy officer.
The charges against the men were dismissed last year, but now they are seeking damages of $1 million for the arrests. They are also seeking class-action status for the lawsuit and are trying to end “capture the fag” operations throughout the country.
"Capture the fag” stings are less common than they were in the past, but they can still have horrible impacts on people’s lives. Those arrested often have to register as sex offenders for life, lose jobs, and are outed to their communities against their will. Sometimes the people arrested commit suicide after their names, addresses, and mugshots are published in local media.
https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2017/11/5-men-sue-cal…
51.
JayJonson | November 19, 2017 at 12:45 pm
I am glad that these men are filing a federal lawsuit in response to these sex stings. It reminded me of the notorious sex sting in Palm Springs (known as the Warm Sands raid) in June 2009. In 2010, videos and audios of the sting were released and the Palm Springs Chief of Police was forced to resign when they showed that he referred to those who were arrested as "filthy motherf–s." An officer observing the sting referred to the targets as "c—ks—s," and apparently faced no discipline.
The sting was upheld by a Riverside County judge in 2011 (and by a 3-judge state appellate panel in 2013), but by then the prosecutors, who originally were asking for draconian punishment, were so ashamed that they begged those charged to accept a plea deal that did not require registering as sex offenders (as the original plea deal would have).
The City apologized profusely for the tactics and pledged never again to use them. The sex sting also energized gay political activism in Palm Springs, which was already underway, but which has now resulted in almost all elected officials being LGBT. (The current and recently elected Council are all LGBT: the Council consisting of 2 gay men, 2 lesbians, a bisexual, and a transgeder woman, if I remember correctly.)
Interestingly, the Warm Springs sex sting has resurfaced recently because the judge who upheld it has been recorded making a grossly homophobic remark. See the article here: http://www.desertsun.com/story/news/crime_courts/…
52.
VIRick | November 19, 2017 at 12:20 pm
Pennsylvania: Favorable Ruling in Employment Sex Discrimination Case Based on Sexual Orientation
Per Equality Case Files:
In "EEOC v. Scott Medical Health Center," an employment sex discrimination claim under Title VII, based on sexual orientation, the federal District Court for Western Pennsylvania granted the EEOC a default judgment against defendant Scott Medical Health Center, followed by an entry of injunctive relief and money damages in the amount of $55,500.43 ($5,500.43 Back pay; $25K Compensatory damages; $25K Punitive damages)
Background:
Earlier this year, defendant Scott Medical filed for bankruptcy. In September, its attorneys requested and were granted permission to withdraw as counsel for lack of payment, and indicated Defendant did not intend to hire new counsel. Because a corporation must be represented by counsel in a federal court proceeding, plaintiff EEOC filed a motion for default judgment in its favor.
On 25 September 2017, the Court granted the EEOC’s motion for judgment and set a hearing to determine what damages and other relief to award. On 16 November 2017, the Court entered its Findings of Fact/Conclusions of Law and Judgment Order.
The Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law is here:
http://files.eqcf.org/cases/216-cv-00225-80/
The Judgment Order is here:
http://files.eqcf.org/cases/216-cv-00225-81/
Final Judgment Closing Case is here:
http://files.eqcf.org/cases/216-cv-00225-82/
53.
VIRick | November 19, 2017 at 12:38 pm
Chile: Elections Today, Sunday, 19 November 2017
Per Karen Atala Riffo:
Vamos por los derechos de las personas LGBTI.
We are going for the rights of LGBTI persons.
And then, for added impact to press the point, she found this gem from BioBioChile, showing a photo of the drag queen and the archbishop, back-to-back, standing in line to vote:
Per BioBioChile:
La drag queen Anna Balmánica y el Arzobispo Ezzati en la misma fila para sufragar.
https://twitter.com/biobio/status/932286263713026…
The drag queen Anna Balmánica and Archbishop Ezzati in the same line to vote.
54.
allan120102 | November 19, 2017 at 2:48 pm
We need Alejandro Guillen to win. He and Piñera are probably the ones who will compete in the second round . Guillen is in favor of ssm wereareas Piñera not. We also need to check the senate and see how lgbt friendly stays.
55.
VIRick | November 19, 2017 at 7:51 pm
Chile Election Returns: Marriage Equality Majority in Both Houses of Congress
Per LGBT Marriage News:
LGBT activists celebrate as elections return a majority to both chambers of Congress in favor of marriage equality. The Congress take their seats in March 2018, but the presidential vote goes to a runoff scheduled for next month.
Per Fundación Iguales:
¡Resultado Histórico! Por primera vez en la historia de Chile, las mayorías de ambas Cámaras del Congreso están a favor del matrimonio igualitario y para las demandas de la diversidad sexual y de género.
https://twitter.com/IgualesChile/status/932410515…
Historic Result! For the first time in the history of Chile, the majority in both Chambers of Congress are in favor of marriage equality and for the demands for sexual diversity and gender.
Now we know, for certain, as to why President Bachelet took so long to submit her marriage equality proposal to Congress. As long suspected, she was fearful of receiving a negative vote, and thus preferred to let the clock run out, while going through a lot of long, drawn-out preliminary steps so as to have everything in order and ready for passage by the next congress. In particular, the point about including same-sex adoption in the same bill made it risky for passage.
56.
scream4ever | November 19, 2017 at 10:00 pm
But will the new President sign the bill, even though they may be opposed?
57.
VIRick | November 19, 2017 at 11:08 pm
Scream, we first need Senator Alejandro Guillier of Antofagasta to win the presidency so that your question does not even need to be asked. See next post below for further explanation.
58.
VIRick | November 19, 2017 at 9:56 pm
Chile Presidential Election: Piñera Wins First Round
Santiago, Chile — On Sunday, 19 November 2017, former Chilean President Sebastián Piñera, along with Senator Alejandro Guillier of Antofagasta, advanced to the second round of the country’s presidential election, scheduled to take place in a run-off on 17 December. With 73.82 percent of the results in, Piñera and Guillier received the most votes.
Piñera, the most popular right-wing candidate, received 36.66 percent of the vote. Guillier, who is a candidate for President Michelle Bachelet’s center-left Nueva Mayoría coalition, received 22.62 percent of the vote. High voter turnout and support for Beatriz Sánchez of the left-wing Frente Amplio party, who came in third with 20.34 percent of the vote, surprised the media. In fact, experts say Guillier needs to create a new alliance with Frente Amplio if he hopes to win in December.
Chileans will have to choose between the right-wing candidate with no proposals for the LGBTI community and Guillier, who has said he will continue with efforts to extend marriage rights to same-sex couples and to expand protections to transgender Chileans that Bachelet has supported.
It is likely that Piñera will not moderate his speech about LGBTI-specific matters, especially if he hopes to gain the support of voters who supported radical right-wing candidate José Antonio Kast who obtained 7.89 percent of the vote, a significant number from people who strongly oppose LGBTI rights.
Still, 55.5% of the electorate chose one of the 6 presidential candidates in favor of marriage equality. But now, they must all coalesce behind Guillier.
Together, Frente Amplio and Nueva Mayoría candidates gained an outright majority in the 120-member House of Deputies, winning 63 seats.
In the 38-member Senate, only 18 Senators were up for re-election. Of the 20 who were retained, 12 are in the New Majority coalition and 8 are in opposition. Of those up for re-election, the current split is 9/9.
http://www.washingtonblade.com/2017/11/19/pinera-…
59.
SethInMaryland | November 19, 2017 at 11:09 pm
Amplio and Mayoria should right away form a coalition. I really think they have a shot to keep the president office left if these parties form together
60.
VIRick | November 19, 2017 at 11:32 pm
Chile is a country where Bachelet's and Guillier's political party, el Partido Socialista, the main grouping in the Nueva Mayoría, is considered rather centrist. From today's election results, the unabashed left-wing Frente Amplio has really surged into new prominence. Let's just hope that that same left-wing 20% of the electorate is not made up of a bunch of "purists" who stay home during the run-off because Guillier is not "pure" enough for their tastes.
61.
scream4ever | November 19, 2017 at 11:35 pm
You took the words right out of my mouth.
Could the bill be passed even with a President opposed, like what happened in Portugal? Vetoing really seems to be mainly an American thing.
62.
VIRick | November 20, 2017 at 12:02 am
The President of Chile can veto legislation either in whole or part. However, that veto can be overridden by a 2/3rds vote in both chambers of the National Congress.
63.
scream4ever | November 20, 2017 at 11:29 am
Maybe they should try to pass it during the lame duck session before the new President can be seated.
64.
VIRick | November 19, 2017 at 7:28 pm
Venezuela: President Maduro in Favor of Marriage Equality?
Per Jordi Évole of SalvadosTV:
Jordi – ¿Sería partidario de legalizar el matrimonio homosexual?
Maduro – No se ha debatido todavía. Creo que todo el mundo se puede casar.
Jordi – Would you be in favor of legalizing gay marriage?
Maduro – It has not been discussed yet. I think that everyone can marry.
Per FELGTB (Federación Estatal LGTB de 47 asociaciones LGTBI españolas):
Enhorabuena a Jordi Évole y SalvadosTV por lograr sacarle a Nicolás Maduro el compromiso de plantear la tramitación del Matrimonio Igualitario en Venezuela. Esperamos que sea una realidad lo antes posible.
Congratulations to Jordi Évole and SalvadosTV for getting out of Nicolás Maduro the commitment to propose the processing of Marriage Equality in Venezuela. We hope it becomes a reality as soon as possible.
https://twitter.com/FELGTB
Still, to me, unless he is assuming a great deal, Maduro (not known as a world-class linguist) used the wrong Spanish verb tense, because for Venezuela, the present tense, "todo el mundo se puede casar" (everyone can marry) is not the present reality. He should have said, in the future imperative, "todos deberían poder casarse" (everyone should be able to marry).
65.
SethInMaryland | November 19, 2017 at 8:22 pm
Wow that's a big deal. I thought Maduro was a very religious Catholic
66.
VIRick | November 19, 2017 at 8:40 pm
Seth, although Maduro's words are definitely subject to interpretation, he did not express any sentiment to indicate that he would be opposed to the legalization of same-sex marriage in Venezuela.
67.
allan120102 | November 19, 2017 at 11:46 pm
Hahahah you beat me Rick but yeah I was surprise that he supports ssm. He is liberal in this topic compare to Rafael correa in Ecuador who also was from the left and was vehemently against ssm. I am not sure what is Venezuela waiting for as the opposition in cogress who are in charge are supposedly in favor of ssm and president Maduro back it. Then nothing is stopping Venezuela from having marriage equality.
In the videos if you speak spanish you might hear him confirm he is in favor of ssm http://www.lasexta.com/programas/salvados/mejores…
68.
josejoram | November 20, 2017 at 5:52 am
Maduro is not liberal in this topic. He has attacked several times opposition leaders based on their alleged homosexuality.
69.
allan120102 | November 20, 2017 at 2:46 pm
Well it depends I guess because at least in Honduras and most latin American countries I have travel a person might support gay people and ssm and still use the word fag, puto and other word to people they dislike or just for fun. With my best friends I use the word "culero" to refer to someone who chicken out in doing something. Words might be good or bad depending what context you want to give them. My friends are relieve when they can use that words without me being offend.
70.
josejoram | November 20, 2017 at 5:55 am
The opposition Congress is also by its majority against SSM. Much too reoligious influence yet. Besides, it`s been in practical terms deactivated by the supreme court and it has not drafted any new laws ever since.
71.
VIRick | November 20, 2017 at 5:39 pm
Venezuela: Bill Presented to Reclaim LGBT Rights
Venezuela: Presentan Proyecto de Ley para Reivindicar Derechos de los LGBT
El 17 de noviembre 2017, Delsa Solórzano (UNT) recordó que desde 2003 hasta 2015 son diversas las iniciativas legislativas que han sido presentadas ante la Asamblea Nacional para garantizar los derechos de las personas LGBTI, las cuales han sido lastimosamente engavetadas. Por eso, este proyecto de Ley contra la violencia por orientación sexual e identidad de género será presentado ante la nueva Asamblea Nacional que se elija el 6 de diciembre 2017.
http://sumarium.com/presentan-proyecto-de-ley-par…
On 17 November 2017, Delsa Solórzano (UNT) recalled that from 2003 to 2015 there were various legislative initiatives that have been presented to the National Assembly to guarantee the rights of LGBTI persons, but which unfortunately, have been shelved. Therefore, this draft law against violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity will be presented before the new National Assembly that is to be elected on 6 December 2017.
72.
VIRick | November 19, 2017 at 8:58 pm
Canada: Justin Trudeau on How to Be Presidential
Per Justin Trudeau via Rex Wockner:
On 28 November 2017, the Government of Canada will offer a formal apology to LGBTQ2 Canadians in the House for the persecution and injustices they have suffered, and to advance together on the path to equality and inclusion.
https://twitter.com/JustinTrudeau
Le 28 novembre 2017, le gouvernement du Canada présentera des excuses officielles en Chambre aux Canadiens LGBTQ2 pour la persécution et les injustices subies et pour avancer ensemble vers l’égalité et l’inclusion.
73.
1grod | November 20, 2017 at 10:49 am
Rick: The apology is not as wide reaching as LGBTQ2 Canadians for the persecution and injustices they have suffered. Twits from American or Canadian leaders can only say so much. Canadian media isn't faulted for generating false news like in the USA. Thus: Canadian Press says "Canadians who were criminally charged or fired from the military or Canada’s civil service because of their sexual orientation" will receive a formal apology from the prime minister on the House of Commons (representatives) before the end of month.. http://ottawacitizen.com/news/politics/apology-to…
74.
VIRick | November 20, 2017 at 4:32 pm
Graeme, my post was not directed toward anyone in Canada, but rather, was specifically directed toward the Assh-Ole-in-Charge one nation further south.
I was not concerned with the specifics, but rather, with Justin's positive approach, and the manner with which he uses his words to expand upon that concept, and with a flourish, just runs with it, a manner, too, which sounds even more prestigious when said in French. (That was not a translation. Justin posted both of those messages, one in English, and the companion in French.)
Here's my more literal translation of what he wrote in French:
"On 28 November 2017, the Government of Canada will present some official excuses in Chamber to LGBTQ2 Canadians for the persecution and the injustices suffered and for the advancement together toward equality and inclusion."
75.
VIRick | November 20, 2017 at 3:54 pm
Oklahoma: Transgender Professor Wins Federal Employment Discrimination Suit
Per Equality Case Files:
Today, 20 November 2017, in "Tudor v. Southeastern Oklahoma State University," formerly known as "United States v. Southeastern Oklahoma State University," the transgender professor’s federal employment discrimination suit in federal District Court for Western Oklahoma, the jury verdict in favor of Dr Rachel Tudor has been rendered on 3 of her 4 claims. The jury found she was discriminated against when she was:
1. denied tenure in academic year 2009/10
2. denied the opportunity to reapply in 2010/11
3. retaliated against for making complaints regarding the first two acts of discrimination.
Oddly, the jury did not find in her favor on her hostile work environment claim. Still, the jury awarded her $1,165,000 in damages on the other 3 claims This being a federal civil trial, the eight-person jury had to reach a separate unanimous verdict on each of the 4 separate claims.
The entire docket pertinent to this case is here:
http://files.eqcf.org/cases/w-d-okla-515-cv-00324…
This jury verdict is not only a rebuke against the state of Oklahoma for allowing blatant discrimination to occur at one of its state-funded institutions of higher learning, but is also a rebuke against the current administration of the United States which withdrew itself as lead plaintiff in this case when it first took over the reigns of government from the previous administration, thus leaving Dr. Tudor to press on with the case as a single individual.
76.
JayJonson | November 20, 2017 at 4:24 pm
This is wonderful news. I must admit that I am surprised that an Oklahoma jury did the right thing. Dr Tudor must have had excellent representation. (I suspect that the jury did not find in her favor on the hostile work environment claim because the English department, of which she was a member, recommended and supported her tenure, which was overruled by the administration. So apparently her immediate work environment was not hostile, only the administration.)
77.
VIRick | November 20, 2017 at 7:35 pm
Major Pride Parades in South America
Buenos Aires hosted Its 26th Annual Pride Parade, as Argentina welcomed thousands to the nation's capital on 19 November 2017.
https://www.advocate.com/pride/2017/11/20/buenos-…
On the same date, thousands more gathered at Copacabana Beach for the 22nd Annual Rio de Janeiro Pride Parade.
https://www.advocate.com/pride/2017/11/20/thousan…