Turquia pode ser 2º país de maioria muçulmana a proteger LGBT

in: http://paroutudo.com/2013/08/15/turquia-pode-ser-2%C2%BA-pais-de-maioria-muculmana-a-proteger-lgbt/


A Turquia pode se juntar à Albânia e se tornar o segundo país de maioria muçulmana a ter uma legislação que protege cidadãos LGBT.

O Comitê de Consenso Constitucional do país, concordou, na segunda-feira, 13, em adicionar na seção de “justificativas” do projeto da nova constituição turca a discriminação por orientação sexual. Essa área da Constituição serve como um guia para juízes e procuradores.

Ativistas arco-íris, no entanto, não se entusiasmaram muito. O grupo LGBT Kaos GL teme que a cláusula não entre na versão final da Constituição do país e mesmo que entre não faça diferença no dia-a-dia dos homossexuais.

“Como temos tantos juízes homofóbicos e transfóbicas na Turquia, é difícil esperar que a sua interpretação de crimes de ódio vai mudar de repente por este acréscimo”, disse um porta-voz da entidade ao site “Gay Star News”.


http://paroutudo.com/2013/08/15/turquia-pode-ser-2%C2%BA-pais-de-maioria-muculmana-a-proteger-lgbt/

Políticos alemães defendem asilo para gays russos no país

in: http://paroutudo.com/2013/08/12/politicos-alemaes-defendem-asilo-para-gays-russos-no-pais/

A situação está tão perigosa para os LGBT da Rússia que políticos alemães importantes defendem que o país facilite o asilo para cidadãos arco-íris russos.

Markus Löning, encarregado de direitos humanos do Partido Liberal Democrático (FDP) da Alemanha, pediu, em entrevista ao jornal “Welt am Sonntag”, no domingo, 11, que os Estados alemães atendam “de forma descomplicada aos homossexuais da Rússia que procurem asilo em nosso país”.

A mesma opinião é compartilhada pelo chefe da bancada parlamentar do partido A Esquerda, Gregor Gysi, a deputada verde Marieluise Beck e a ministra da Justiça, Sabine Leutheusser-Schnarrenberger.

Segundo o site do canal “Deutsche Welle”, a ministra liberal-democrata disse que, com a “exclusão dos homossexuais”, a Rússia “está dando mais um grande passo na direção de uma perfeita ditadura”, enquanto Beck informou sobre as possibilidades legais de um asilo para homossexuais.

“Já existem hoje, na lei alemã, os critérios de perseguição por questões de gênero e não estatal”, explicou a deputada. Portanto “há uma base legal para conceder proteção na Alemanha aos homossexuais perseguidos na Rússia, após o exame individual do caso”, afirmou a parlamentar.

A Rússia tem recebido críticas de diversos chefes de Estado, como dos Estados Unidos e da Islândia, além de protestos e até um beijaço mundial, após aprovar lei que pune o que chamam de “propaganda gay” e adoção de crianças por casais homossexuais este ano.

http://paroutudo.com/2013/08/12/politicos-alemaes-defendem-asilo-para-gays-russos-no-pais/

Relação homossexual em 'The Sims' foi feita sem autorização da EA

in: http://games.terra.com.br/relacao-homossexual-em-the-sims-foi-feita-sem-autorizacao-da-ea,65270ce967950410VgnVCM20000099cceb0aRCRD.html

Programador homossexual alterou o código sem perguntar para estúdio e nunca foi repreendido pela EA Maxis

Em 'The Sims' é possível ter relacionamentos com parceiros do mesmo sexo e até adotar crianças

Foto: Reprodução

 

Na GaymerX, evento de games voltado para o público LGBT, que aconteceu em São Francisco, no último final de semana, o desenvolvedor de The Sims 4, David "Rez" Graham, contou como outro programador da Electronic Arts permitiu que personagens do mesmo sexo se relaciossem dentro do jogo. As informações são do site Gamasutra.

Meses antes do lançamento do simulador de vida humana, em 2000, o programador Jamie Doornbos alterou o código que possibilitava a ação sem consultar ninguém. E o estúdio EA Maxis nem se importou.

“Ele foi lá um dia e fez. E ninguém questionou sobre isso, o que foi bem legal. Ele tem reputação de chegar e fazer as coisas, então ele escreveu o código sem nenhuma reunião ou discussão”, disse Graham em uma mesa de discussão sobre como a EA traz uma audiência diversificada para seus jogos.

De acordo com o desenvolvedor, Doornbos, que é homossexual, não foi questionado sobre a ação porque The Sims é um jogo causal. “Seria muito mais difícil se isso fosse feito em um grande jogo AAA”, contou.

Graham ainda explicou que proibir a relação entre personagens do mesmo sexo seria um trabalho extra que não justifica a comparação com “o fator repugnância” de outros tabus sociais. “Quando você tem que especificadamente escrever um código para prevenir incesto, homossexualismo parece bastante brando”, apontou.

“Homossexualismo não é novo, é algo que existe no mundo e nós, da Maxis, estamos tentando simular as pessoas em nosso mundo. A conversa não é sobre se incluímos, mas como incluímos isso”, concluiu.

http://games.terra.com.br/relacao-homossexual-em-the-sims-foi-feita-sem-autorizacao-da-ea,65270ce967950410VgnVCM20000099cceb0aRCRD.html

Lady Gaga defende comunidade LGBT na Rússia

in: http://myway.pt.msn.com/noticia/lady_gaga_defende_comunidade_lgbt_na_russia_15924.aspx

Lady Gaga respondeu ao governo da Rússia, depois de este ter revelado que a cantora poderia ser investigada por ter desrespeitado as regras de visto durante o seu concerto no país. O pedido foi feito pelo criador da «lei anti-gay», que também pediu uma investigação a Madonna. No Facebook, Gaga defendeu a comunidade LGBT na Rússia e deixou a pergunta: «Porque é que não prendeste quando tiveste oportunidade, Rússia? Foi porque não queriam responder ao mundo?».

A Rússia aprovou recentemente, em várias regiões, a lei «anti-gay», contra a «propaganda de relações sexuais não tradicionais», proibindo, por exemplo, paradas gay. A lei proíbe a presença de casais estrangeiros do mesmo sexo, permitindo mesmo que a polícia detenha turistas que suspeite serem homossexuais, ou alguém que fale sobre homossexualidade às crianças. O casamento entre casais do mesmo sexo, e adopção por pessoas solteiras que venham de países onde o casamento entre pessoas do mesmo sexo seja permitido são também proibidos

Na sua página oficial de Facebook, Lady Gaga escreveu: «A enviar bravura para os LGBTs na Rússia. O crescimento do abuso governamental é arcaico. Afastar adolescentes com spray pimenta? Espancamentos? Mãe Rússia? O governo russo é criminoso. A opressão vai conhecer revolução. LGBTs da Rússia, vocês não estão sozinhos. Vamos lutar pela vossa liberdade. Porque é que não me prendeste quando tiveste oportunidade, Rússia? Porque não querias responder ao mundo?».

Lady Gaga, tal como Madonna, opuseram-se à lei que proíbe a propaganda gay durante os seus concertos em São Petersburgo, o que é ilegal no país, tendo em conta que estavam menores na plateia.

http://myway.pt.msn.com/noticia/lady_gaga_defende_comunidade_lgbt_na_russia_15924.aspx

Video: Amazon releases TV advert featuring same-sex married couple

in: http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2013/02/22/video-amazon-releases-tv-advert-featuring-same-sex-married-couple/

Online retailer Amazon, has released a new television advert for its Kindle Paperwhite, which features a gay couple and a straight couple getting along on holiday together.

The advert features a man and a woman on deck chairs, and while she uses a Kindle, the man struggles with a tablet computer.

When he exclaims that he has finished buying a Kindle online, and says “we should celebrate”, the woman replies: “my husband is bringing me a drink, right now,” to which he responds “so is mine”.

Amazon was among a large number of Washington-based companies which confirmed their support for Referendum 74, the equal marriage bill from last November, by signing up to a newspaper advert.

Prior to that, the billionaire founders of Amazon, Jeff and MacKenzie Bezos, pledged $2.5 million to the fight for equal marriage rights for gay couples in the US state of Washington last year.

The NY Times said the Bezoses responded to an email from a gay former employee in Amazon.com’s first days asking whether they would donate $100,000 or $200,000 to the cause, similar to amounts donated by Microsoft figures. The response said: “This is right for so many reasons. We’re in for $2.5 million. Jeff & MacKenzie.”

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2013/02/22/video-amazon-releases-tv-advert-featuring-same-sex-married-couple/

Teacher who said 'gays don't have a purpose' gets a rebuttal

in: http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/teacher-who-said-gays-dont-have-purpose-gets-rebuttal170213

LGBT groups in Indiana launched a 'You Have a Purpose' Facebook page as a response to the special-ed teacher who made homophobic remarks this week

Gay rights groups launched an empowerment campaign in response to the Indiana teacher who said 'gays don't have a purpose'.

Special-ed teacher Diana Medley said earlier this week that she doesn't agree with homosexuality. She was speaking on behalf of a group who wanted to host a 'traditional' prom at Indiana's Sullivan High School that wouldn't allow gay and lesbian students.

To continue encouraging LGBT youth in Indiana and abroad, a Facebook page titled 'You have a purpose' has been created where supporters can post videos with a positive and uplifting message.

Annette Gross, coordinator for Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) compared the new web page to Dan Savage's 'It Gets Better' campaign.

Gross said in an interview: 'We just want to focus on the positive, letting them (gay teens) know that they do have a purpose and there are people out there that care about them'.

The web page will not allow videos about Medley's comments or the 'traditional' prom dispute.

Gross said: 'This is about the kids. This isn't about her'.

The Facebook page, set up by the Interfaith Coalition on Non-discrimination, Indiana PFLAG, Indiana Equality Action and Fairtalk, is open to the public.

http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/teacher-who-said-gays-dont-have-purpose-gets-rebuttal170213

US: ‘Ex-gay’ preacher admits continuing to use Grindr to contact gay men

in: http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2013/02/06/us-ex-gay-preacher-admits-continuing-to-use-grindr-to-contact-gay-men/




Matt Moore admitted using Grindr, despite writing about being "ex-gay"

An “ex-gay” preacher, who claimed to have “turned away” from his “homsexual desires” was discovered using the gay dating app, Grindr, and admitted that the profile was his.

Matt Moore, a blogger for the Christian Post who frequently writes about having “come out” of the “homosexual lifestyle”, was found to be still using Grindr to talk to gay men, which he said was “disobedient” to God.

Upon being discovered using the app by Freethoughtblogs, he said: “The Grindr profile was really mine. I’ve been on it on and off for the last couple of weeks.

“Like I told the guy who sent you the picture, I am wrong in having been on Grindr. I haven’t changed my views on homosexuality, the bible, etc.

“Creating a Grindr profile and talking to guys on it was major disobedience on my part….disobedience to Christ. Disobedience to a loving and gracious God. Thankfully, I believe that He forgives me for this disobedience. I believe the blood of Christ covers this disobedience. And I won’t be on Grindr again….ever.

“The pastor of my church and the church body I am a part of were informed about me being on Grindr (I told them) before all of this came out, publicly.”

In his writings about becoming “ex-gay”, Moore says that his “homosexual feelings” had “diminished”, but admitted that they had not disappeared completely.

He wrote: “I can, in truth, firmly say that the longer I keep turning away from my homosexual desires, the less in strength they become. My homosexual feelings have definitely diminished since the night God started drawing me to Himself in September of 2010. Are they completely gone? No, they are not. Will they ever be completely gone? I do not know.

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2013/02/06/us-ex-gay-preacher-admits-continuing-to-use-grindr-to-contact-gay-men/

Mormons, Evangelicals Ask Supreme Court to Ignore Science on Gay Parents

in: http://www.advocate.com/politics/prop-8/2013/02/06/mormons-evangelicals-ask-supreme-court-ignore-science-gay-parents

Amicus briefs filed by a coalition of religious groups contend that same-sex parents are unfit to raise children, citing outdated and scientifically inaccurate studies. 

 

In two "friend-of-the-court" briefs filed at the Supreme Court in late January, a group of religious organizations — including the Mormon Church, National Association of Evangelicals, and Southern Baptist Convention — asked the justices to ignore overwhelming scientific evidence that same-sex parents are equally as qualified to raise children as opposite-sex parents.

Zack Ford at ThinkProgress LGBT collected the key arguments from the briefs, where Mormon Church attorney Von Keetch alleges that same-sex couples make inferior parents. Ford also notes that the briefs cite the controversial parenting study from Mark Regnerus, who has admitted that his research methods were not scientifically sound, and which an internal auditor from the journal that published the study called "bullshit."

In the brief for U.S. v. Windsor, which challenges the constitutionality of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act, the evangelical groups argue:

"By their nature, such policy questions cannot be definitively answered by science, professional opinion, or legal reasoning alone. Although we are certainly persuaded by scholarly opinion supporting traditional marriage, the truth is that social science scholars, for instance, disagree about the effects of gay parenting on children. Whatever the ultimate conclusions may be, “nothing in the Constitution requires [government] to accept as truth the most advanced and sophisticated [scientific] opinion.”

In the brief filed in Hollingsworth v. Perry, the case challenging the constitutionality of California's voter-approved revocation of marriage equality, the religious groups admit, "There is an active debate within the social sciences over whether some of these common sense judgments are empirically sound. But 'nothing in the Constitution requires California to accept as truth the most advanced and sophisticated [scientific] opinion.” Lawmakers — including the people of California — are entitled to 'act on various unprovable assumptions,' including those that in 'the sum of [their] experience' lead them to conclude that traditional marriage and the family structure it supports deserve distinctive legal protection."

The Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments on both cases in March.

http://www.advocate.com/politics/prop-8/2013/02/06/mormons-evangelicals-ask-supreme-court-ignore-science-gay-parents

Boy Scouts of America delays its decision on allowing gay members to May

in: http://gaystarnews.com/article/boy-scouts-america-delays-its-decision-allowing-gay-members-may060213

Board says it needs more time 'due to the complexity of this issue'

The national board of the Boys Scouts of America on Wednesday (6 February) delayed a decision of whether or not to end its controversial ban on gay members and leaders.

The BSA said in a statement that 'after careful consideration and extensive dialogue' within the organization along with outside comments, the board concluded 'that due to the complexity of this issue, the organization needs time for a more deliberate review of its membership policy.'

The approximately 1,400 voting members of the National Council will revisit the issue at its annual meeting in May.

The board is considering a proposal that would allow openly gay people to participate in scouting. But the end of the national restriction regarding sexual orientation would not put an end to the ban on gays completely. Local chapters would still have the ability to not allow gay scouts or leaders.

'Scouting has received an outpouring of feedback from the American public,' the BSA stated. 'It reinforces how deeply people care about Scouting and how passionate they are about the organization.'

During an interview on the CBS newsmagazine 60 Minutes on Sunday (3 February), President Barack Obama spoke out in favor of allowing gays into the Scouts.

In contrast, such religious conservatives as televangelist Pat Robertson, former US Senator Rick Santorum and Texas Governor Rick Perry has spoken out against dropping the ban predicting great doom for the organization if it allows gays to participate openly.

The delay is a major disappointment to activists who have been pushing for much of the past year for a change in the anti-gay policy.

'A scout is supposed to be brave, and the Boy Scouts failed to be brave today,' said Jennifer Tyrrell, who launched a Change.org petition last year after she was removed as a leader of her son's local troop because she is a lesbian.

'The Boy Scouts had the chance to help countless young people and devoted parents, but they've failed us yet again,' Tyrrell said in a statement released through the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. 'No parent should have to look their child in the eye and explain that the Boy Scouts don't want us.'

GLAAD President Herndon Graddick said: 'The Boy Scouts of America is choosing to ignore the cries of millions, including religious institutions, current scouting families, and corporate sponsors, but these cries will not be silenced. We're living in a culture where hurting young gay people because of who they are is unpopular and discriminatory.'

In addition to pressure from activists, the BSA has also lost the support of several corporate donors because of the anti-gay policy.

According to the BSA website, there are over 300 local councils in the US Scouts for Equality reports that 11 councils, serving over 260,000 Scouts, have already taken a stand against the organization's anti-gay policies.

 

 

http://gaystarnews.com/article/boy-scouts-america-delays-its-decision-allowing-gay-members-may060213

Bakery refuses to make wedding cake for lesbian couple

in: http://gaystarnews.com/article/bakery-refuses-make-wedding-cake-lesbian-couple040213


Oregon bakery owner refused couple saying 'marriage is a religious institution ordained by God'

An Oregon bakery owner is in trouble after refusing to make a wedding cake for a lesbian couple.

On 17 January, a mother and daughter showed up at Sweet Cakes by Melissa looking for the perfect wedding cake.

Speaking to King5.com, owner Aaron Klein said: ‘My first question is what’s the wedding date.

‘My next question is bride and groom’s name…the girl giggled a little bit and said it’s two brides.’

Klein told the women the company does not make cakes for same-sex marriages. The women were disgusted and walked out according to the owner.

‘I believe that marriage is a religious institution ordained by God,’ said Klein. ‘A man should leave his mother and father and cling to his wife…that to me is the beginning of marriage.’

As soon as the story hit local media, numerous people blasted the Kleins online and in person.

What the owner wanted to make clear is he and his wife do not hate homosexuals.

‘They can buy my stuff,’ he said. ‘I’ll sell them stuff…I’ll talk to them, it’s fine.’

‘I’d rather have my kids see their dad stand up for what he believes in then to see him bow down because one person complained.

The Oregon Department of Justice are currently investigating the bakery because they may have violated one of the US state’s anti-discrimination laws.

It is in Oregon where a bullied 15-year-old teen hanged himself on an elementary school playground two weeks ago. He died yesterday (3 February).

 

 

http://gaystarnews.com/article/bakery-refuses-make-wedding-cake-lesbian-couple040213

The super gran who walked out of church when her pastor attacked a gay teen

in: http://gaystarnews.com/article/super-gran-who-walked-out-church-when-her-pastor-attacked-gay-teen040213

Reddit user tells story of how his grandmother left her church after the pastor singled out a gay teen and promised to 'address the problem of homosexuality'


 

A proud grandson has described how his grandmother walked out of her church after an anti-LGBT sermon.

The American Reddit user, registered as BMMiller10, posted on the site that his grandmother had changed her conservative attitudes to homosexuality after he came out to her the previous year.

And after her pastor singled out another gay teenager in front of an entire congregation, promising to 'address the problem of homosexuality', she apologized to the teen and walked out.

She said: 'There are a lot of problems here, and him being gay is not one of them.'

Since then the grandmother has left the church, apparently to the ire of the anti-LGBT pastor.

The user said: 'It's a small thing, and I'm not the best storyteller, but I'm so proud of her, and I thought I'd share.'

The user's heartfelt story rocketed to the top of the LGBT Reddit bulletin board in recent days, while comments praising the grandmother's bravery have poured in.

One comment said: 'I can only imagine the amount of distress the kid had to go through experiencing that, but at least your grandmother hopefully softened the blow by making a stand like that.'

Another read: 'I don't think it's a small thing at all. It's a very big thing. I love her and I'm proud of her for standing up for herself, and you, and the boy at church. And for me too, even though she might not have known it.'

http://gaystarnews.com/article/super-gran-who-walked-out-church-when-her-pastor-attacked-gay-teen040213

Rutgers University to open student wellbeing center named for Tyler Clementi

in: http://gaystarnews.com/article/rutgers-university-open-student-wellbeing-center-named-tyler-clementi020213






Rutgers University announces the creation of a center for student wellbeing and suicide prevention named for student Tyler Clementi who killed himself in 2010 after being outed by a roommate

New Jersey’s Rutgers University will honor the memory of Tyler Clementi with a center for student welfare and suicide prevention.

Clementi killed himself in September of 2010 by jumping off the George Washington Bridge into the Hudson River after he was secretly filmed kissing another man and then outed online by roommate Dharun Ravi.

The announcement will be formally announced at a dedication ceremony on Moday which will be attended by New Jersey congressmen Frank Pallone Jr and Rush Holt – both Democrats – along with the university’s executive vice president for academic affairs Richard L Edwards.

The Tyler Clementi Center is a collaborative effort between Rutgers University and the Tyler Clementi Foundation and according to the university ‘will draw from academic disciplines across the university and throughout the nation to create new programs and approaches to address issues that confront young people – specifically youth making the transition from home to college.’

‘The center will offer lectures, symposia and training on such topics as the use and misuse of new technologies and social media; youth suicide – particularly among LGBTQ youth and other young people – during the transition to adulthood; adjustment and assimilation into college life; bullying and cyberbullying; and understanding and promoting safe and inclusive social environments,’ the university said in a statement.

‘The goal of the center is to provide scholarly support for the work of policymakers, social activists, community leaders and other advocates for vulnerable youth.’

The Tyler Clementi Center will be headed by Rutgers University associate professor of social work Jeff Longhorn and the executive director of the university’s Center for Applied Psychology Susan Furrer.

Tyler’s mother, Jane Clementi, told the New York Times that she felt ‘bittersweet’ about the announcement.

‘It calls up a lot of pain and sadness, but at the same time it gives me some hope that I can be part of a better future for someone else,’ Clementi told the New York Times.

‘There are other Tylers out there, but they won’t have to go through what Tyler went through.’

The center’s first projects will be a lecture in March on growing up in the digital world and hosting a conference on transgender issues in April.

 

http://gaystarnews.com/article/rutgers-university-open-student-wellbeing-center-named-tyler-clementi020213

NFL player Chris Culliver to undergo sensitivity training for homophobic comments

in: http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2013/02/02/nfl-player-chris-culliver-to-undergo-sensitivity-training-for-homophobic-comments/

 
Chris Culliver is to undergo sensitivity training after saying gay players weren't welcome (Image: Twitter)

San Francisco 49ers player, Chris Culliver, who earlier this week said there were no gay players on the team, and if there were, they wouldn’t be welcome, is to begin sensitivity training following this weekend’s Super Bowl.

Culliver is to begin the sensitivity training and education and then begin volunteer work with at-risk gay youths nationwide, the Associated Press reports.

Earlier this week, Chris Culliver, who is set to play for the San Francisco 49ers in this weekend’s Super Bowl said in an interview that he didn’t think there were any gay players on his team, and that they wouldn’t be welcome if there were.

Mr Culliver since apologised, and said his comments were “hurtful and ugly”, and said they didn’t reflect his true feelings on the issue.

“[I was] really just not thinking. [It was] something that I thought. Definitely nothing that I felt in my heart,” Culliver said.

The cornerback is to start working with the Trevor Project, a US LGBT suicide prevention organisation, said public relations rep, Theodore Palmer.

Palmer said that Culliver would spend time at a crisis centre in San Francisco.

Openly gay former 49ers player, Kwame Harris, also spoke out about the comments made by Culliver prior to his apology being issued.

Mr Harris told NBC: ”It’s surprising that in 2013 Chris Culliver would use his 15 minutes to spread vitriol and hate. I recognize that these are comments that he may come to regret and that he may come to see that gay people are not so different than straight people.”

Earlier this week, Mr Harris was charged with felony domestic violence and assault charges involving a former boyfriend.

San Francisco coach Jim Harbaugh said the comments were not acceptable.

“We reject what he said. That’s not something that reflects the way the organization feels, the way most of the players feel,” Harbaugh said.

A statement from Mr Culliver’s team condemned his comments: “The San Francisco 49ers reject the comments that were made yesterday, and have addressed the matter with Chris. There is no place for discrimination within our organization at any level. We have and always will proudly support the LGBT community.”

 

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2013/02/02/nfl-player-chris-culliver-to-undergo-sensitivity-training-for-homophobic-comments/

Hawaii: Lawmakers to choose between legalising or banning equal marriage

in: http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2013/01/28/hawaii-lawmakers-to-choose-between-legalising-or-banning-equal-marriage/

Four contesting bills to legalise equal marriage and constitutionally ban it were both brought before the Hawaii State House on Thursday.

Hawaiian lawmakers recently submitted four pieces of legislation: two legalising and two banning equal marriage.

Democrat Faye P Hanohano is the sole sponsor of House Bill 1109, which seeks to legalise equal marriage in Hawaii.

The Bill states, “It is the intent of the legislation to extend to same-sex couples the right to marry and to receive all the same rights, benefits, protections, and responsibilities of marriage as opposite-sex couples receive under the laws of this State.”

Democrat Mike Gabbard and 14 other representatives from both parties have introduced an amendment to the Hawaiian constitution that would limit marriage to heterosexual couples.

Republican John Mizuno has introduced two pieces of legislation, one legalising equal marriage, the other limiting it to heterosexual couples.

Mr Mizuno explained that he was personally in favour of “traditional” marriage, but he thought the people of Hawaii should be able to decide democratically.

A Hawaii State Supreme Court opinion made 20 years ago has been credited with starting the equal marriage debate in America.

In Baehr v Lewin, Justice Steven Levinson said, “No person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law, nor be denied the equal protection of the laws, nor be denied the enjoyment of the person’s civil rights or be discriminated against in the exercise thereof because of race, religion, sex or ancestry.”

A 2011 poll showed that 49% of Hawaiians support equal marriage and 40% oppose it.

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2013/01/28/hawaii-lawmakers-to-choose-between-legalising-or-banning-equal-marriage/

Em Fortaleza, 5% dos casos de homofobia ocorrem entre familiares

in: http://diariodonordeste.globo.com/noticia.asp?codigo=351243&modulo=966

No município de Fortaleza, 5% dos casos de homofobia registrados pelo Centro de Referência LGBT ocorrem dentro da casa das vítimas e são praticados pela própria família.

Eventos de conscientização são realizados com frequencia na Capital. Foto: Yacana Neponucena

Segundo informações da coordenadora do centro de referência, Luanna Marley, a maioria dos casos tem como agressores a mãe, irmã ou padastro. Grande parte das denúncias ocorre entre adolescentes de 14 a 16 anos. “Fazemos um trabalho articulado com conselhos tutelares, serviço social, centro de referência e o setor de psicologia”, explica Luanna.

Outro grande fator que tem preocupado o centro de referência são as denúncias relacionadas ao ambiente de trabalho. “São atitudes preconceituosas de colegas de trabalho e pelo chefe. Há casos de demissão de pessoas por serem LGBT, mas que são camuflados por outras justificativas. Quando ocorre uma investigação acaba sendo constatado por meio de testemunhas que foi homofobia”, ressalta a coordenadora.

União estável

Mais de 30% dos atendimentos do centro são referente a união estável e casamento civil. Segundo a coordenadora houve um crescimento considerável entre os ano de 2011 e 2012, quando a Prefeitura , por meio da Coordenadoria da Diversidade Sexual realizou o primeiro mutirão da união estável juntamente com a defensoria pública.

http://diariodonordeste.globo.com/noticia.asp?codigo=351243&modulo=966

Adeptos do Zenit não querem negros nem homossexuais na equipa

in:  http://www.publico.pt/desporto/noticia/adeptos-do-zenit-nao-querem-negros-e-gays-na-equipa-1577755

O maior grupo de adeptos do campeão russo, Zenit São Petersburgo, pediu ao clube que se abstenha de contratar futebolistas negros ou homossexuais, na sequência da agitação provocada pela aquisição do brasileiro Hulk. “Não somos racistas, mas vemos a ausência de jogadores negros no Zenit como uma tradição importante”, pode ler-se na carta publicada, nesta segunda-feira, na página oficial do grupo Landscrona.

“Isso permite ao Zenit manter a identidade nacional do clube, que é o símbolo de São Petersburgo”, pode ler-se no manifesto, que tem como título Selecção 12 – Tradições e princípios.

O Zenit é o único emblema do principal escalão do futebol russo que nunca teve um futebolista africano na sua equipa. São Petersburgo é conhecida por ser uma cidade com forte influência da extrema-direita nacionalista.

Os adeptos pedem no manifesto que a equipa conte mais com jogadores formados no clube ou jogadores europeus. “Só queremos jogadores de outras nações-irmãs eslavas, como a Ucrânia e a Bielorrússia, assim como dos estados Bálticos e Escandinávia. Temos a mesma mentalidade e partilhamos um contexto histórico e cultural com estas nações”, pode ler-se na carta do grupo Landscrona.

Estes adeptos também expressam a sua oposição à existência de “minorias sexuais” na equipa, e pedem que cada jogador se esforce “a 101 por cento” em cada jogo.

Vários futebolistas negros rejeitaram ofertas significativas do Zenit nos últimos 12 meses, após receberem ameaças de morte dos adeptos do clube, segundo a imprensa russa. Um porta-voz do Zenit disse nesta segunda-feira que o clube não iria comentar a carta dos adeptos.

O ex-avançado do Zenit e da selecção russa Alexander Panov considerou, citado pela imprensa local, que os adeptos não têm o direito de influenciar a política de recrutamento do clube. “Se não temos bons jogadores que cheguem em São Petersburgo, o que há-de o clube fazer?”, perguntou. “Todos os clubes do mundo têm jogadores negros. Se não os há no Zenit – é problema do Zenit. Não creio que os adeptos devam pedir ao clube para contratar ou deixar de contratar certos jogadores. Os adeptos têm o direito de ir ao estádio ou de ficar em casa”, acrescentou.A equipa do Zenit atravessou uma fase complicada em que teve de fazer frente ao descontentamento de vários jogadores após a contratação, por vários milhões de euros, do brasileiro Hulk (ex-FC Porto) e do belga Witsel (ex-Benfica). Igor Denisov passou mesmo algum tempo na equipa B do Zenit após se ter recusado a jogar, reivindicando um contrato semelhante ao de Hulk. A situação foi posteriormente apaziguada e Denisov regressou à equipa, após um pedido de desculpa.

 

 

 http://www.publico.pt/desporto/noticia/adeptos-do-zenit-nao-querem-negros-e-gays-na-equipa-1577755

Canada: Activists say blood reforms will still discriminate against gay men

in: http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2012/12/05/canada-activists-say-blood-reforms-will-still-discriminate-against-gay-men/

The Canadian Blood Services’ proposed changes to blood donor eligibility do nothing to lessen discrimination against gay men, according to an HIV/AIDS awareness organisation.

Currently, any man that has sex with another man, even once, is prohibited from donating blood for life. But, if approved, Canadian Blood Services’ proposed changes will see the ban relaxed from life to a minimum of five years and a maximum of 10 years from the last relevant sexual contact.

However, according to the Calgary Herald, Susan Cress, executive director for the AIDS Calgary Awareness Association, said the reform wouldn’t decrease the stigmatisation of the male gay population.

“A relaxation on the ban I don’t think really takes us any step forward to equality or to good sound, evidence-based decision making,” Ms Cress said, pointing to the fact Canadian Blood Services already screens every blood donation for HIV.

In September 2011, England and Wales introduced a one-year deferral period, meaning that men who have not had gay sex in the last 12 months may donate blood.

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2012/12/05/canada-activists-say-blood-reforms-will-still-discriminate-against-gay-men/

Lesbian couple's anti bullying song is a hit

in: http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/lesbian-couples-anti-bullying-song-hit301112





The YouTube video has won an anti-bullying competition

 

 A lesbian couple’s music video to fight bullying has become a hit with YouTube viewers.

The song, produced by singing duo Bria Airb and Chrissy Chambers, tells the story of a young teenager who commits suicide after being bullied.

It was the winning entry in an anti-bullying competition on YouNow. The song will now be recorded in a professional music studio and will be featured on a soundtrack on a currently unannounced film.

The video has hit a note with YouTube viewers, and has received over 12,000 views.

Viewer Chris Webb left a comment saying: ‘Very powerful and emotional song brought tears to my eyes. Bullying must end. Thank you Bria and Chrissy for making this song.’

Another viewer said: ‘This is the most incredible anti-bullying song I have ever heard. Keep up the great work you both do.’

The couple have also written songs about having two mothers, the anti-gay controversy with Chick-Fil-A and former Republican Presidential nominee Mitt Romney.

Watch the video here:

 

 

http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/lesbian-couples-anti-bullying-song-hit301112

What are most gay-friendly cities in US?

in: http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/what-are-most-gay-friendly-cities-us301112

Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Philadelphia and Boston among the cities ranked highest in survey by Human Rights Campaign


 

The Human Rights Campaign has examined the LGBT laws and practices of 137 US cities and ranked them in an extensive survey released this week.

Eleven cities, including four in California, scored a perfect 100 in the survey called the Municipal Equality Index (MEI). They are: New York City, Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Philadelphia, St. Louis, Seattle, Cambridge (Massachusetts), Portland (Oregon), Long Beach and San Diego.

Scoring 95 and above were Albany, Denver, Berkeley, West Hollywood and Hartford.

In contrast, three US cities scored a zero on MEI: Montgomery, Alabama, Jefferson City, Missouri and Frankfort, Kentucky.

Also barely registering a score were Baton Rouge, Louisiana, (2), Cheyenne, Wyoming (2), and Pleasant Ridge, Michigan (3).

'As we make progress towards full equality at the state and federal levels, it is crucial to recognize the progress at the local level as well,' says HRC President Chad Griffin.

Griffin says MEI is an 'even-handed look at cities big and small, from coast to coast and everywhere in between, in order to determine the extent to which city and municipal governments are leading the way on equal treatment for LGBT people.'

The cities were ranked based on 47 criteria falling under six broad categories: non-discrimination laws, relationship recognition, employment practices, and the inclusiveness of city services, law enforcement, and municipal leadership.

The cities ranked were drawn from every state in the US and include the 50 state capitals, the 50 most populous cities in the country, and 25 large, 25 mid-size, and 25 small cities with high proportions of same-sex couples.

Visit www.hrc.org/mei for more information about the Municipal Equality Index.

http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/what-are-most-gay-friendly-cities-us301112

US: Teacher suspended for letting student play pro-gay equality song to class

in: http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2012/11/29/us-teacher-suspended-for-letting-student-play-pro-gay-equality-song-to-class/

 

Susan Johnson has been suspended without pay (Photo: Fox News)

A teacher at a school in South Lyon, Michigan has been suspended without pay for allowing a student to play a song about gay love to his class.

Susan Johnson, a performing arts teacher told Fox News that an eigth grade student at South Lyon’s Centennial Middle School asked if he could play a song to a class of 13 and 14 year-olds.

“I asked him a few questions about the song. If it was violent, if there was any profanity, and he said no. And I said this sounds like a great song to go ahead and use for the class,” the teacher told the network.

The song, “Same Love” is by rapper Ben Maclemore that talks of the dangers of hate and stereotype by describing the struggle of a gay man from birth to death.

“This is one of the things in my school that we’re trying to practice and we’re trying to instill in our students is tolerance to diversity,” she said.

After a student disagreed with the message of tolerance, they went to the principal who immediately suspended the teacher without pay.

“I don’t think that it was really even thought through,” she said. “I was paralyzed. I really didn’t understand why I was being suspended.”

The local authorities gave her paperwork that explained that she was suspended because the song is “controversial” because it contains content about homosexuality. Michigan has a constitutional state ban on same-sex marriage. The state outlawed anal sex (for gay and straight couples) until the US Supreme Court ruled that such bans were illegal in 2003.

Ms Johnson said:”I really love my kids and I never want to hurt them, but I also know that there’s a lot of bullying and there’s a lot of gay bashing and racial issues going on in our country and I want the kids to feel comfortable in my class no matter who they are.”

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) are now investigating the case.

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2012/11/29/us-teacher-suspended-for-letting-student-play-pro-gay-equality-song-to-class/