By Cathy Kristofferson, May 24, 2013

Ukraine, like most ex-Soviet countries, is not kind to their LGBT community despite homosexuality having been decriminalized in the early 1990s.  Last Friday Ukraine was one of three countries, along with Jamaica and South Africa, called out by organizers of the International Day Against Homophobia (DAHO) to highlight their dangerous levels of LGBT discrimination.  After last year’s Gay Pride was cancelled at the last minute when skinheads gathered at the planned event site, the Ukrainian LGBT community this year had carefully planned for and has been determined to hold their first ever Gay Pride March this Saturday.

Trying to foil their plans Kiev (Kyiv) city authorities Monday filed a lawsuit seeking to ban the Pride event claiming it could prompt violence and might disturb nearby Kiev Day celebrations.  They made these claims despite Kiev police assurances that they can guarantee the protection of Pride march demonstrators.  Sadly Thursday a Ukrainian court upheld the authorities’ lawsuit and banned the Gay Pride demonstration.

Amnesty International reports  that the Pride’s organizers were informed about Thursday’s court hearing only two hours beforehand not giving them time to secure representation and denying them the opportunity of a fair hearing in court.  If they had been allowed to participate, they could have shown that their route was not in fact within the city limits so should be banned and also perhaps the police assurances of protection would not have magically evaporated in the courtroom.

“KyivPride-2013″ Committee’s spokeswoman, Olena Semenova, defiantly told Radio Free Europe that  the event would take place anyway because gay-rights defenders had “a plan B”.

Earlier today it was reported that an Administrative Court of Appeals in Kiev had overruled and would allow the Gay Pride March.  This was followed quickly by a denial from the Pride Committee stating they had not even filed an appeal and that the false report was just an unwarranted provocation.  The Pride Committee also reiterated their plans to hold their Kiev event despite the court’s ban.

But now the KyivPride-2013 Committee has been forced to give up hopes of their first public event and move their plans to a private location releasing the following press bulletin:

 Equality March to be held as a private event, not in central Kyiv, say organizers

UKRAINE-KYIV-GAY-PARADE-VENUE

Kyiv, May 24 (Interfax-Ukraine) – The organizing committee of the Kyiv Pride 2013 International LGBT Forum and Festival has decided to change the venue and format of the Equality March due in Kyiv on May 25.

“On May 23, District Administrative Court of Kyiv ruled to forbid holding any public events not related to the celebration of Kyiv Day in the center of the city on May 25. In connection with this, the organizing committee of Kyiv Pride has decided to change the venue of the human rights march and hold it outside the central part of Kyiv, as well as change its format to a private event,” reads the organizers’ statement published on Friday.

The organizers of the march also expressed their disappointment at the court’s ruling.

“We are disappointed by the court’s ruling to forbid the holding of public events on Day of Kyiv, including the planned Equality March. We think that the human rights event in no way contradicts the concept of Kyiv Day celebrations, and the restriction of citizens’ right to freedom of assembly in this case is groundless and biased,” reads the statement.

The organizers also explained that the Equality March is aimed at “raising the issue of public inequality of LGBT community representatives in Ukraine, protesting against discriminating bills that have been submitted by radical parliamentarians, and the protection of freedom of speech and freedom of peaceful assembly for all citizens, regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity.”

Munich is a partner of Kyiv Pride 2013. Leading international human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and Freedom House, also supported the event.

The fight for LGBT equality goes on in the Ukraine under the watchful eye of many human rights organizations.  Ukraine is hoping for formal agreements with the European Union.  I think they have some work to do before that should happen.

Related articles:-

• IDAHOT Around the World | The good, the bad, and the ugly

Today, we find these same people, abused by the press, actually outraged by the closure and protesting in defense of the press and the importance of its freedoms.

By Melanie Nathan, May 23, 2013.

Protesting for freedom of the press in Uganda

Today several human rights defenders were arrested outside of the Daily Monitor as they rallied in solidarity against the Ugandan authorities clamp down on freedom of speech of the media. It seems that members of Uganda’s LGBT community have shown their courage, yet again, and this time by standing up for universal principles, a freedom that is not unique to their cause. These arrests came not from seeking to preserve their personal human right to freedom of sexual orientation, but rather the universal principle which impacts all Ugandans, the right to a free press.

UPDATED: 5/24/2013.

VIDEO | The inside view of an unlawful arrest

“We attended the demonstration to support a free press. As LGBTI people we know that we are the ones often denied media access, so we went in support of the media. Hopefully, the larger straight society will see that LGBTI Ugandans support all forms of rights and that LGBTI people should be equally supported by them.”

About a dozen Ugandans and one or two westerners walking alongside a Ugandan street. The protestors are well dressed as if walking to work. They have taped their mouths with surgical strips. They are not making a noise of any kind and quietly walking almost in single file. They are carrying a stretcher with a pen symbol in the stretcher. Symbolizing a dying free press. Their intent and their protest is peaceful.

They arrive at their destination – The road block to the Daily Monitor which has been under siege by the Ugandan police. That story was reported here – below.

The next thing a bunch of riot police, way outnumbering the dozen, come dashing toward them. There was no formation, no warning. Just an attack.

When I watched the Video of the arrests it hit hard the extent of the force and clear unlawfulness of the police action. They literally ran at the protestors – in an attack mode- and lunged at them. There was no warning. No request to leave the street. They were dressed in riot gear and were extremely aggressive.

WATCH:-

We reported earlier this week that the Ugandan police had closed down two Ugandan media outlets – The Daily Monitor and The Red Pepper Tabloid. The police issued a statement saying they had planned to conduct searches, apparently for an original letter, purportedly evidence in a crime, which seems to relate to the recent military controversy involving a Ugandan general.  Some believe that the closure was done in retribution and to silence these outlets from reporting on the developments surrounding the issue, rather than to search for the document. The closure was characterized as raids. Both outlets remained closed for several days, amidst an outcry by journalists and human rights defenders. A Court order was obtained ordering the police to reopen the media premises. It was ignored.

Included in the protests were several well known members of the LGBT community. Some of whom, although now protesting in solidarity with the press, had been ill-treated by the  Press, including those who had been outed by Red Pepper Tabloid, which had used extremely abusive rhetoric in the outings.

As it happens, the activists from SMUG, who are now defending the right of free speech by press, had recently on May 17th’s International Day against Homophobia (IDAHO,) called upon the Ugandan Press to respect the LGBT community in their reporting:-

“Today is a time for people worldwide to reflect on the importance of fighting intolerance based on sexual orientation and gender identity. In Uganda, LGBTI persons continue to experience arbitrary outings in print, radio, television and social media.”

The closures involved two outlets – The Daily Monitor and Red Pepper, only the latter being a real culprit of tabloid outings against gays.  However the calls for respect was addressed to all media in Uganda.

The May 17 IDAHO plea to the media had come from the organization, SMUG:

“In light of this, it is our fervent belief that the promotion of human dignity shall remain hollow unless we transform not only our social and political attitudes, but also the culture and practices of the media, in order to eliminate hate and ensure tolerance for diversity. The Ugandan LGBTI community therefore denounces the practices of the tabloid media in failing to uphold basic rights of privacy, and actively contributing to an atmosphere of prejudice and intolerance in Ugandan society.”

At the protest, the human rights defenders were detained for some hours at Kabalagala police station. Some managed to escape detention and others were arrested. Lawyers came to the police station and were kept out of the room where protestors were questioned. Although it seems no charges have been made at this time, the detainees are free and there are some reports of police bond having been made.

Included in the arrests was one SMUG worker, Richard Lusimbo Umulegela, a 26-year-old gay man and lead researcher for SMUG.  At this time all 6 who were detained have been released.

One report by Brenda Banura tweeted, “The road block street before Daily Monitor premises. There’s no where to pass I tell you #Monitorsiege - See Pic #1)

Pic # 2

RosebellK Rosebell Kagumire 22 May Tweeps please share our message #pressfreedom is a constitutional right #monitorsiege#RPsiege (see pic #2)

Award winning LGBT human rights defender Frank Mugisha reported that all was well until riot police showed up. By all accounts this was a peaceful protest and any arrests may impinge on the protestors’ constitutional rights to freedom of assembly. However the police suppression of such protests is not uncommon in Uganda, under the leadership of President Yoweri Museveni who has held the position for the past 25 years.

The activists have been ordered to report back to the police at 9:00 am tomorrow morning. The accusations pertain to unlawful assembly. It seems the great irony is that they may well pay a price for defending the very media that so often turns against them.  Yet they were willing to stand up for the universal principles of freedom that go beyond merely that of their own. This time their right to freedom of sexual orientation is not the issue for which they protested and are now paying a price, but rather the right to free press for all Ugandans. Any pursuit of charges by authorities could well open the door for Ugandans to see that gay Ugandans are indeed Ugandans first.

Related articles

• Ugandan LGBT Community Calls on Media to stop homophobic outing of gays (oblogdeeoblogda.me)
• Ugandan government raids close down Red Pepper and Daily Monitor (oblogdeeoblogda.me)

Last Saturday we reported IDAHOT Around the World | The good, the bad, and the ugly . In the Ugly category we listed the riot that ensued  in Tbilisi, Georgia when thousands of anti-gay protesters, including Orthodox Church priests, united to descend upon an International Day Against Homophobia rally in Freedom Square.

Today charges were actually filed against two of the priests that were caught on camera participating in the mayhem, including the stool wielding priest pictured here.  Georgia is a highly religious nation so this move to hold them accountable for insighting violence is highly unusual.

Eurasianet.org reports:

“Iotam Basilaia, the father superior at the Iione-Tornike Eristavi Monastery, and Antimoz Bichanashvili, an arch-priest at Tbilisi’s Holy Trinity Cathedral, are charged with defying police orders and preventing citizens’ rights to free assembly. The two men may face a fine or even a prison term.”

Previously four other protesters had been detained and released after paying fines for ‘hooliganism’ and defying police orders.  Reports were that no one expected any action to be taken against the priests.  Now the Georgian LGBT community’s safety could depend on the government’s willingness to proceed with the prosecutions.

Irakli Vacharadze, the executive director of Identoba, a non-governmental LGBT group that was one of the rally’s main organizers reported that “We face an ongoing threat. Members of the LGBT community are being repeatedly harassed because the authorities’ failure to stop the violence has created a sense of impunity for the radicals.”   There have been eight separate reports of violence following the attempted IDAHOT  silent march.

Photo Reuters David Mdzinarashvili

At least 28 people were injured at the attempted rally, with many of them trapped in public transportation as demonstrators attacked. Police helped but the Ministry of Internal Affairs failed to secure the participant’s freedom to assembly and the the rally site.

The country of Georgia is one of the few from the previous Soviet Union to provide LGBT rights and protections.  Since 2000, Georgia has had ‘the freedom of same-sex sexual activity’ and six years later added job protections for sexual orientation.  In 2012 Georgia added sexual orientation to those considered an ’aggravating circumstance’ in hate crimes.

The Church had previously condemned the violence but reiterated their dismay that the rally took place.  Now the Georgian LGBT community will wait to see the outcome of today’s arrests and what impact that could have on their continued safety.

However the Georgians may be better off then the Ukrainians.  In that ex-Soviet nation, without any LGBT rights or protections, a Kiev court has just banned the first ever Gay Pride ‘Equality March’ planned for Saturday, ostensibly “to ensure public order and protect people’s lives and safety”…

Related articles:-

• IDAHOT Around the World | The good, the bad, and the ugly (oblogdeeoblogda.me)

By Cathy Kristofferson, May 22, 2013

Since 1910, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) have sought to “train youth in responsible citizenship, character development, and self-reliance through participation in a wide range of outdoor activities, educational programs, and, at older age levels, career-oriented programs in partnership with community organizations.”  Over that century plus, the BSA has been practicing their own special form of discrimination banning the LGBT community from participating in any of it. Gay scouts, leaders, employees, and volunteers need not apply!

Recently they have come under increased pressure to get with the times and lift their ban. Large corporate donors pulling funding due to the discrimination seems to have gotten the BSA’s attention. Seeking to restore the funding, the BSA is hoping a compromise will do the trick.

Today the BSA has released their new draft policy ahead of tomorrow’s membership vote.  Way down at the bottom, the last line in fact it reads:

No youth may be denied membership in the Boy Scouts of America on the basis of sexual orientation or preference alone.

And as previously reported they are seeking to attempt this comprise which would allow in gay youth but continue the ban on gay adults which would include scouts once they turn 18:

WHEREAS, the current adult leadership standard of the Boy Scouts of America states:
..
While the BSA does not proactively inquire about sexual orientation of employees, volunteers, or members, we do not grant membership to individuals who are open or avowed homosexuals or who engage in behavior that would become a distraction to the mission of the BSA.

While some are calling on the Boy Scouts to accept this ‘advancement’, we at OBLOGDEE are sticking to our convictions that the ban on adults does nothing more than perpetuate the myth that homosexual=pedophile un-befitting of contact with youth!

And what of the messages they are sending the youth, both gay and straight, who are involved?  That gays cannot be trusted around youth, that gays are not equally qualified to be leaders, that gay scouts can never go on to be scout leaders themselves?  Sounds like an endorsement to bully!

Continue reading our previous post here.

The BSA should vote to let in all queers tomorrow both youth and adult, or none at all and continue to suffer the consequences.

Related articles:-

• Boy Scouts Apartheid is bigotry not evolutionary (oblogdeeoblogda.me)

We reported earlier this week about the impending case before the Cape Town High Court of Lesbian minister Ecclesia de Lange, who was fired by the Methodist Church because she married a woman, before the church had taken a decision on same-sex marriage. The case was heard through the presentation of argument on Tuesday and the Judge will rule in the next few weeks.

After 13 years, The Methodist Church of South Africa is still deliberating its stand on same-sex marriage, with ironically a Synod this very week of the minsiter’s trial.

Lawyers for the church said De Lange, 43, had broken a church rule which stipulated that “no positive steps toward same-sex unions… be taken pending further determination”. According to church counsel, Isabel Goodman, de Lange’s decision to wed was seen as:

“an attempt to impose her religious and doctrinal views on the church and its members”.

However de Lange says she was unfairly dismissed from her ministry because of her sexual orientation, after she had told her congregation in December 2009 that she was going to marry her female partner.   She was ordained in 2006 and married her partner on December 15, 2009. She has since divorced the woman and is set to marry again.

Goodman, argued that while same-sex marriages were not a “doctrinal taboo” for the church, de Lange’s announcement of her intention to marry had “forced” it to take a position while the church was still “grappling” with the issue of same-sex marriage. For this reason, she had been suspended and later dismissed, said Goodman.

In January 2010 she was charged by the church’s internal disciplinary committee with breach of the laws governing the church and found guilty. She appealed but this was rejected. She was eventually dismissed on February 20, 2010.

Goodman said the matter was likely to be a “messy, gritty fight” over church doctrine and should therefore be dealt with “within the family” of church arbitration and not in open court. An arbitrator experienced in church law would be able to hear more extensive evidence than a court, she added.  “It is not for the court to decide whether or not there was a rule (about same-sex marriages),” she added.

But Anna-Marie de Vos, De Lange’s lawyer, said a court should decide on the matter, as De Lange’s case was one of discrimination based on sexual orientation, Such discrimination was unconstitutional. She said as there was no “explicit” prohibition of same-sex marriages, De Lange had not broken church rules.It had not been made clear that church members who “pre-empted” a church decision by getting married would be dismissed.“It is a jump of enormous proportions to say… there will be a disciplinary hearing and you will get fired,” she said. She was not asking the court to take a stance on the doctrinal issue of whether gay marriages should be allowed by churches. Rather, she was asking the court to help enforce the church’s own laws. And the law on same-sex marriages at the times was one of “no policy”, she added. Until the church had a policy, it was bound by the constitution, said De Vos. She asked the court to reinstate De Lange as a minister and set aside the findings of the disciplinary hearing.

Via Pierre de Vos:

“she was found guilty of breaching a rule which stated that the church explicitly declined to take a position regarding same sex marriage. It is seldom that somebody is dismissed for breaching a non-existent rule – but this seems to be just such a case. This week she challenged the unfair disciplinary process and the unfair discrimination by the church against her in the Cape High Court. (Full disclosure: my sister, Anna-Marie de Vos, SC, argued her case and I informally advised the legal team.)“

In addition – to my way of thinking this hardly seems a fair reason to fire someone from their post, when they make a personal decision to marry. One wonders how the Church could impose its view on de Lange’s life outside of the Church – is the Church suggesting that same-sex ministers should not be allowed to wed, but that it is acceptable for heterosexual ministers to wed?  Surely that is a separate Constitutional matter and not one for the Church to impose on de Lange. This is not a question of de Lange officiating the marriage of anyone else – its was simply a question of her marrying her own partner or simply announcing such marriage that triggered and led to the firing. After all South Africa’s constitution embraces equality based on sexual orientation and same-sex marriage is legal.

I know many of you are going to jump here and not see that in the interests of separate of church and state which is an important aspect of the South African system, there may be a clash where in fact de Lange deserves consideration of her civil rights. But there is a significant point here. De Lange married under the civil law. Is that a reason to fire her from her job as a minister at the Church, and to add to that the imperative angle that the Church was yet to rule on same-sex marriage.

Outside the court, De Lange said it had never been her intention to “disrupt” the church, but she had decided to take the matter to court as she felt her constitutional rights had been violated. She has since got engaged to her fiancée, Melanie Case.

I spoke to de Lange today, who informed me that arguments went very well, that she was confident that presiding Judge Anton Veldhuizen would rule fairly, and that the Court will rule in her favor, firstly to set aside the unfair arbitration decision upon which the Church relies to currently justify the firing.

I am proud to say that having practiced in the South African Courts myself, the biblical interpretations of homosexuality are going to be left out of this, as the South African Judges are well versed with their role in a system that separates their religious dogma from civil  justice. Hence I will not be putting up any comments that quote biblical verses, as such are quite irrelevant to the case and to the point being made here.

The hope of de Lange is that the Judge will rule that the Church’s arbitration proceeding be set aside so the matter can be ruled on the merits.

Judgment was reserved by Judge Veldhuizen.

READ THIS Excellent analysis http://constitutionallyspeaking.co.za/the-curious-case-of-the-pastor-punished-for-honesty/

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Tweet at @melanienathan1

Earlier Article:

Cape High Court to hear case by Lesbian Reverend against Methodist Church

A modern day David and Goliath | Rev. Ecclesia de Lange, a South African open lesbian will face her once employer and now adversary in the Cape High Court.

By Melanie Nathan, May 19, 2013.

Rev. Ecclesia de Lange and Melanie Nathan, Cape Town pride 2011

In 2010 when Rev de Lange announced to her congregation that she was going to marry her same-sex partner, her congregants jumped up and applauded, in what she describes in the video below as a joyful moment. But unfortunately the powers that be in the Church where she served, were not willing to share in the jubilation……  read more

By Melanie Nathan, May 21, 2013.

KAMPALA – As Uganda counts a 40% reduction in AIDS-related deaths in the past decade, the Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC) wants Government to levy a special tax on alcohol and cigarette to fund HIV programs.

According to UAC Executive Director Dr. Kihumuro Apuuli, AIDS account for 60,000 annual deaths today, down from over 100,000 in the late 1990s. The reduction is attributed to the increasing access to antiretroviral (ARV) drugs which suppress the progression of the virus and help infected persons to live long.

Other factors include behavioral change among HIV positive persons which helps to avoid re-infections.

However, addressing the press in Kampala yesterday, Apuuli and Musa Bungudu, the UNAIDS country coordinator said the 40% reduction in deaths was not worth celebrating given that HIV prevalence is on the increase. Accordingly, the officials implored the Government to expedite a tax on cigarette, alcohol, bank transactions and mobile phone airtime to fund HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment strategies.

This against the backdrop that HIV/AIDS funding in Uganda is largely dependent on donors, raising fears of unsustainability in the event donors pull out.

The AIDS commission estimates that the charges would raise $300m (about sh766b) annually for HIV campaigns if implemented.

“Resources coming from outside should not replace local funding,” Bungudu said. “Charging a few shillings per phone call or each cigarette smoked or a bottle of beer drunk can raise some funds for HIV campaigns to break the dependency syndrome.” Apuuli explained that the special HIV tax proposal had been submitted to Parliament for the legislators’ approval. “If the tax is not introduced in the coming financial year (2013/2014), at least it should come in 2014/2015,” he pled.

Uganda was recognized as a global role model in the campaign against HIV/AIDS when concerted efforts reduced the national prevalence rate from 30% in the early 1980s to 5% in 2001.

However, prevalence again increased to 6.4% in 2006 before shooting to 7.3% currently. Close to 14 million Ugandans are HIV positive yet there are 400 new infections every day.

Uganda is the only country in east and southern Africa where HIV prevalence is increasing rather than reducing, according to Bungudu.

Out of over 50 countries in Africa, only two- Uganda and Chad – are experiencing increase in HIV prevalence. Apuuli attributed the situation to a nationwide shift from emphasizing behavior change to concentrating on treatment and living positively.

“In the past no leader ended his speech without warning people against unprotected sex. When ARVs came, we focused on treatment only which caused complacency,” he explained. The officials were briefing journalists about today’s (Friday) activities to commemorate the Candle Light Day, a world event held in memory of those who have died of AIDS.

This year’s theme is “Re-engaging communities for HIV prevention”. The national activities in Kasana, Luweero district will run under the slogan “Accelerating community action towards zero new infections.”

The chairperson of the Parliamentary committee on HIV/AIDS, Dr. Twa-Twa, urged the public to shun multiple sexual partnerships, which are the main HIV source.

SAFAIDS.

=======================================================================================================================

http://mandelacoinusa.com/beneficiaries/

By the Editors, May 21, 2013

Scott Lively has long taken full advantage of his First Amendment rights and while no one would ever deny him that right, it certainly becomes pitiful when he whines about us not loving his hate when he exercises it.  He is welcome to scurry around on the defensive, as he has done in a recent article, fretting in feigned fashion to protect the rights to free speech – but that does not mean we will back off calling a spade a spade! And here it is, simply put: “In pursuing his right to free speech Scott Lively is a religious bigot.” There we said it and now because we exercised our right to free speech we are called Homo-Facists. So we are even Scott – you are the bigot and we are the Homo-Facist. Which would we rather be?

“While traditional liberalism values the First Amendment freedoms of speech, thought and religion as the highest ideals of civilization, homo-fascists seek to criminalize any exercise of these ideals that are deemed to be a threat to “gay” culture.  Present day examples of homo-fascist policies include speech codes in schools and colleges, anti-discrimination regulations in government agencies and private corporations, and de-facto anti-family censorship policies in the news media. Where pro-family speech and other activities are not yet constrained by law, homo-fascists employ bullying and other intimidation tactics to silence opponents and manipulate policy makers, all while posing as victims.” (Lively)

What Lively forgets is that he can have all the freedom of expression under his God given sun, but that does not make him any the less a hater and a bigot, and while he may indeed have the right to be such, he also conveniently forgets the amount of harm his words and sometimes the deeds of interference accompanying those words,  have caused others.

So while he ‘cries woe is me, they are criticizing me for exercising my first amendment right,’ he is wrong – we are critiquing what are lies, myths and the resulting hate that ensues. And even more importantly while we are fighting for our own right to equality, Lively has yet to show one example of where his rights have been taken away. Not even one example. In fact he is making the admission that it is the gays who are in fact discriminated against when referencing “anti-discrimination” regulations. Blab away Scott – for the more you do the more you lose.

Lively’s mission, and that for which he raises money, is to travel the world pontificating upon and providing guidance in faraway lands for the denial or repeal of our LGBTI rights. Whether that be simply a proposed non-discrimination ordinance or the wholesale rejection of our being. I think he is right – if that is what I am up against then I shall relish in my new-found title, that of Homo-Facist, because I am going to fight his myth and lies, and ensure that I do all in my power to pursue equality. Full equality. Worldwide.

You see we are not on level playing fields in this story. Scott Lively has all his rights in tact – his right to hate, his right to speak about it, his right to read his Bible, his right to prayer, his right to marry and the list goes on… However we do not have all our rights in tact – we are unequal. Second-class citizens and less in some countries. In that context we will gladly take on title Homo-Facist – we have earned it. Thank you Scott – for you see us!

That said, as much as we feel we may have earned Lively’s kind title, we are struggling to see how it really fits given his own pie in the sky hyperbole-

His last blog missive posted today -”Homo-Fascism vs. the First Amendment” – begins:

Homo-Fascism is a form of extreme left-wing radicalism which attempts to establish rigid totalitarian controls over public discussions and policies addressing sexual morality, and to punish or suppress all disapproval of homosexuality and related sexual behaviors.

You really don’t need to read more than that opening sentence, or the title actually, to know what’s coming. More First Amendment Supremacy Clause propaganda from Scott Lively.  More my religious ‘bigotry’ trumps your ‘special rights’ claims.

“Under no circumstance shall sexual orientation regulations supercede the First Amendment rights of individuals, churches and religious organizations to freedom of speech and freedom of religion.”

Agreed – but can someone explain how that can possibly happen?

Apparently we, the gay community, no longer engage in civil dialogue only “implacable militancy.”  And have succeeded at “the complete restructuring of society with “gays“ or their surrogates in all seats of power.”

All this on yet another day where the gay community was the first to be thrown under the bus as the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill emerged from the Senate’s Judiciary Committee, excluding their pivotal quest for equality.  Yes, that’s some fascist bullying and intimidation for you.

And then lest we forget the religious exemptions clause contained in the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) Bill as introduced allows First Amendment religious bigotry to trump sexual orientation and gender identity protections for a very broadly defined category of religiously affiliated employers.  Which is actually a striking example of Lively’s proposed First Amendment Supremacy Clause.  A clause which means that all of the poster children for ENDA’s passage, like Carla Hale the Ohio teacher fired from the Catholic High School after her partner was mentioned in her mother’s obituary, would still all be fired if ENDA is passed.

So all said and done,  Lively can throw chronologies of our fight for our rights back in our faces – chanting “homo-facist” and related definitions in response to our gutsy claim for equal rights, -  no amount of crouching behind the First Amendment shield, will ever derogate from the fact that Lively is utilizing cheap, obvious and useless ploys by pretending to be the victim.

Notes:-

Added by an FB commentator quite correctly so is “While he whines and spreads falsehoods about his victimization, he himself is systematically seeking to silence LGBT advocates around the world by working with his allies in governments to “criminalize” advocacy.

Related Articles:-

• Understanding those very grave concerns about ENDA’s religious exemption  (oblogdeeoblogda.me)
• The Special Rights Battleground of ENDA and Immigration Reform  (oblogdeeoblogda.me)
• Gay-hating Pastor Scott Lively finds new foothold in Oklahoma  (oblogdeeoblogda.me)

Christine Quin, NYC Speaker with Edie Windsor the DOMA Plaintiff

By Melanie Nathan, May 20, 2013.

No amount of marchers will bring back Mark Carson, who was gunned down by a man shouting anti-gay epithets. He was only 32 years of age. However silence will mean more deaths and speakers at the NYC rally against the murder of Carson called out to end homophobic gay attacks so NYC can go back to being a safe place for gay, lesbian and transgender residents and its numerous LGBTI visitors.

Hate crimes are on the rise against Gays, in New York City and worldwide. Today a Rally was held at the New York LGBT Center in the West Village near the spot where the murder took place.

Members of the LGBT community and their allies assembled outside the LGBT Center of NYC on West 13th Street. By the time the march began the crowd had swelled to well beyond initial expectations. Led by representatives of the LGBT Center, the Anti-Violence Project, relatives of Marc Cason, religious leaders, and elected officials, the group marched towards the scene of Carson’s death at West 8th Street and 6th Avenue. Participants waved signs and chanted along the march route. A large number of police were in attendance.

Wilson Cruz, GLAAD’s national spokesperson said:

“Our hearts grieve for the victim’s loved ones. While our community has made progress, this is a stark and sobering reminder of the rife homophobia that still exists in our culture. These crimes are intended to scare and silence LGBT people. However, as a proud New York native, I am confident that our community and our city will not be silenced, but will rather come together to stop this rash of senseless violence.” …….

“We are reminded still that, until we rid our society of the discrimination that allows us to be seen as inferior and less than human, we will never truly be safe, even in one of the most accepting cities in the world.”

Glennda Testone speach @ rally against hate NYC 5/20/13:

See More Videos by Culver McCall

What are human rights? Can you answer that question? See what people from around the world answered when asked and then learn the basics in this 10 minute video. Your comments are most valued whether in public or private.

No one has ever tackled the USA for breaching the Universal Declaration of Human Rights when it comes LGBTI equality or lack thereof. Why not? Are we absolved? So sovereign – more sovereign than others? We tend to only think of LGBT rights in the U.S.A. as ‘civil rights.’ But what about as human rights and why are we so quiet? Not outraged? Perhaps many of us need a lesson on WHAT IS HUMAN RIGHTS?

Please follow this three part exercise:-

1. Watch this video on the History of Human Rights – it will take 10 minutes and then 2.  read every clause of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that follows, after which 3. kindly answer the U.S. centric question that follows:

PREAMBLE

Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,

Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people,

Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law,

Whereas it is essential to promote the development of friendly relations between nations,

Whereas the peoples of the United Nations have in the Charter reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women and have determined to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom,

Whereas Member States have pledged themselves to achieve, in co-operation with the United Nations, the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms,

Whereas a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is of the greatest importance for the full realization of this pledge,

Now, Therefore THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY proclaims THIS UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance, both among the peoples of Member States themselves and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction.

Article 1.

All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

Article 2.

Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty.

Article 3.

Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.

Article 4.

No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.

Article 5.

No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

Article 6.

Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.

Article 7.

All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.

Article 8.

Everyone has the right to an effective remedy by the competent national tribunals for acts violating the fundamental rights granted him by the constitution or by law.

Article 9.

No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.

Article 10.

Everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal, in the determination of his rights and obligations and of any criminal charge against him.

Article 11.

(1) Everyone charged with a penal offence has the right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law in a public trial at which he has had all the guarantees necessary for his defence.
(2) No one shall be held guilty of any penal offence on account of any act or omission which did not constitute a penal offence, under national or international law, at the time when it was committed. Nor shall a heavier penalty be imposed than the one that was applicable at the time the penal offence was committed.

Article 12.

No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honour and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.

Article 13.

(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state.
(2) Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country.

Article 14.

(1) Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution.
(2) This right may not be invoked in the case of prosecutions genuinely arising from non-political crimes or from acts contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.

Article 15.

(1) Everyone has the right to a nationality.
(2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality nor denied the right to change his nationality.

Article 16.

(1) Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race, nationality or religion, have the right to marry and to found a family. They are entitled to equal rights as to marriage, during marriage and at its dissolution.
(2) Marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full consent of the intending spouses.
(3) The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State.

Article 17.

(1) Everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in association with others.
(2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property.

Article 18.

Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.

Article 19.

Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.

Article 20.

(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
(2) No one may be compelled to belong to an association.

Article 21.

(1) Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through freely chosen representatives.
(2) Everyone has the right of equal access to public service in his country.
(3) The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.

Article 22.

Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security and is entitled to realization, through national effort and international co-operation and in accordance with the organization and resources of each State, of the economic, social and cultural rights indispensable for his dignity and the free development of his personality.

Article 23.

(1) Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment.
(2) Everyone, without any discrimination, has the right to equal pay for equal work.
(3) Everyone who works has the right to just and favourable remuneration ensuring for himself and his family an existence worthy of human dignity, and supplemented, if necessary, by other means of social protection.
(4) Everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his interests.

Article 24.

Everyone has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of working hours and periodic holidays with pay.

Article 25.

(1) Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control.
(2) Motherhood and childhood are entitled to special care and assistance. All children, whether born in or out of wedlock, shall enjoy the same social protection.

Article 26.

(1) Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit.
(2) Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace.
(3) Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children.

Article 27.

(1) Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits.
(2) Everyone has the right to the protection of the moral and material interests resulting from any scientific, literary or artistic production of which he is the author.

Article 28.

Everyone is entitled to a social and international order in which the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration can be fully realized.

Article 29.

(1) Everyone has duties to the community in which alone the free and full development of his personality is possible.
(2) In the exercise of his rights and freedoms, everyone shall be subject only to such limitations as are determined by law solely for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others and of meeting the just requirements of morality, public order and the general welfare in a democratic society.
(3) These rights and freedoms may in no case be exercised contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.

Article 30.

Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as implying for any State, group or person any right to engage in any activity or to perform any act aimed at the destruction of any of the rights and freedoms set forth herein.

The Question:-

Do you think that the U.S.A. has breached the Human Rights of its people by failing to ensure marriage equality in every USA State for all, thereby denying over one thousand rights to same sex couples by operation of the call for equality?  By failing to ensure workplace protections for LGBT Americans?  By isolating  gay and lesbian Americans  in same-sex relationships for exile who want to live with their foreign born partners who do not have access to green cards? Do you think because we call marriage laws “civil Law” and because we have our sovereignty to determine them in the U.S.A. that absolves us from considering the lack of such as a breach of our human rights commitments under this declaration?

By Editors, May 20, 2013.

Maplewood, N.J., May 20, 2013-  North Jersey Pride, the nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting equality, awareness, and understanding in the upper Garden State, today announced plans for its 2013 Pride Week. Throughout the week of June 3, the nonprofit is hosting a series of engaging LGBT-themed events, leading up to its signature Pride Festival on Sunday June 9. The Pride Festival includes a full afternoon of unique family-friendly entertainment that brings together LGBTQ people and straight allies from all over the Garden State to celebrate diversity and promote equality. Newark Mayor, Cory Booker will kick off the festivities at noon.

“We produce an inspiring and fun-filled week of Pride events for the LGBTQ community and supportive allies in the Garden State,” said C.J. Prince, Executive Director of North Jersey Pride. “But we are more than a great party. After the tents come down and the last band plays, we want the crowd to take all that energy and enthusiasm and feel empowered to go out and make real change. Our attendance has grown 400% year over year since we were founded in 2011 and this year, we anticipate thousands of LGBT and ally families will join us. We aim to send them home armed with information that will help them educate their neighbors, family and friends.”

PNC Bank is this year’s Pride Week presenting sponsor, and praised the collaboration: “Supporting diversity and inclusion is simply the right thing to do,” said Linda Bowden, New Jersey regional president for PNC Bank. “The participation of local business and a family-friendly kids zone, coupled with terrific entertainment from nationally known musicians like Antigone Rising to performances by local artists like The Paper Mill Playhouse Broadway Show Choir, reflects the great work that the North Jersey Pride Festival does to help us celebrate and bring our communities together.”

Along with the many important events leading up to Pride Festival, on June 4 at 7 PM, North Jersey Pride in association with the Tyler Clementi Foundation, the Spectrum Club at Columbia High School and GLSEN, will present, “Engaging Families: Turning Bystanders Into Upstanders.” Joe and Jane Clementi, along with other panelists will host a conversation about what they experienced when their son Tyler died by suicide following a much publicized episode of bullying, and will talk about their journey to helping other vulnerable youth to reach different outcomes. Tyler’s brother, James Clementi said his family is pleased to be a part of North Jersey Pride’s celebration of the LGBT Community.  “As a family and as a foundation we are thrilled to participate in the panel discussion and pride festivities right here in our home state of New Jersey.  As we work to create safe and inclusive spaces for LGBT and vulnerable youth we feel that it is important to engage in meaningful discussions to raise awareness about LGBT people in the Garden State.”

Who/What: North Jersey Pride Week 2013

Where: Maplewood, New Jersey (See Various Locations Below)

When: June 3-9, 2013

Full Listing of North Jersey Pride Week Events Here:

Monday, 6/3: Kickoff Cocktail Party

Help us start Pride Week with a toast to equality! DJ, Cash bar. 8pm, Coda Kitchen + Bar, 177 Maplewood Ave., Maplewood, NJ.

Tuesday, 6/4: Engaging Families: Turning Bystanders into Upstanders

Join us as we welcome the family of Tyler Clementi at Columbia High School to talk about how to put an end to bullying. Cosponsored by the Tyler Clementi Foundation, GLSEN and SPECTRUM, Columbia’s gay-straight alliance club. 7-9 pm, Columbia High School Auditorium, 17 Parker Ave., Maplewood, NJ.

Wednesday, 6/5: LGBT Author Signing at Words Bookstore

Veteran Broadway performer and author Tim Federle will read from his sweet debut novel about a gay 13-year-old boy who wants to make it big on Broadway. The New York Times calls Better Nate than Ever a “twinkling adventure tale.” 7pm at [words] Bookstore (also a North Jersey Pride Dignity Sponsor) 179 Maplewood Ave., Maplewood, NJ.

Thursday, 6/6: Trans-themed Movie Night

Join us for a special screening of “Gun Hill Road,” a provocative Sundance Jury Award nominee, and director Rashaad Ernesto Green for a Q&A following the film. Rated ‘R.’  8pm-10pm, St. Georges Episcopal Church, 550 Ridgewood Rd., Maplewood, NJ.

Friday, 6/7: Story Slam with Studio B: “Coming Out”

Bring your best five minute tale of any coming out. Gay? Debutante? Undercover agent? All secrets revealed. We will choose 10 names out of a hat to read. Or just come to listen and soak up the cultural vibe. Burgdorff Cultural Center, 10 Durand Road, Maplewood, NJ.

Saturday, 6/8: The 2013 Dance for Equality

Eat, drink and dance the night away at this magical NYC nightclub-themed evening. Award-winning DJ Steve Sidewalk will spin all night long. Fabulous silent auction includes an Atlantic City getaway, Cartier jewelry, exclusive artwork, tix to Kinky Boots, Book of Mormon, David Letterman, and Cyndi Lauper’s latest concert—plus a meet-and-greet with the Diva herself! The Maplewood Club, 489 Ridgewood Rd., Maplewood, NJ.

Sunday, 6/9: The 2013 North Jersey Pride Festival! Memorial Park Amphitheater 124 Dunnell Road, Memorial Park, Maplewood, NJ

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FROM North Jersey Pride, Inc., is “a 501(c)3 nonprofit that produces events and activities to promote inclusivity, equality, awareness, and understanding in the upper Garden State. NJP produces the North Jersey Pride Festival on the second Sunday in June, as well as a week of activities leading up to the Festival. Our activities bring LGBTQ individuals and straight allies together in support of tolerance, respect, and empathy. We aim to empower young people to become pro-active citizens; businesses to become active community partners; and families of all make-ups to become allies for one another. Our unique Pride Festival offers safe, family-friendly entertainment and fun for all. Throughout the year, North Jersey Pride will work in partnership with LGBT leaders in their campaigns for more stringent anti-bullying laws and for full marriage equality in the state of New Jersey. Visit at: http://www.northjerseypride.org”