Rep. Duncan Hunter Jr. (R-CA) — who orchestrated several unsuccessful legislative maneuvers to delay the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell — told the Family Research Council’s Tony Perkins this afternoon that the “homosexual lobby” is pushing for “a military takeover by the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender community”:
HUNTER: We’re not especially clairvoyant, we can’t see into the future, but the homosexual lobby isn’t simply pressing to have equal status in the military with people that are heterosexual. They would like a military takeover by the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender community, and that’s what they’re going to keep pushing for until it happens.
Military leaders — many of whom supported the repeal of the ban against open service — have yet to witness any negative consequences from the recent change.
Hunter, however, has a long track record of leveling some very dubious charges against the LGBT community. During the floor debate surrounding repeal, he infamously proclaimed that the military “isn’t the YMCA.”
NOM Exposed Releases A Pro-Marriage Equality Pledge |
At least four GOP presidential candidates — Rick Perry, Mitt Romney, Michele Bachmann, and Rick Santorum — have signed on to the National Organization for Marriage’s (NOM) anti-gay marriage pledge. The candidates vow to establish a “presidential commission on religious liberty” to investigate instances of discrimination against conservatives, “send a Constitutional amendment defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman to the states for ratification and appoint U.S. Supreme Court and federal judges who will “reject the idea our Founding Fathers inserted a right to gay marriage into our Constitution.” Responding to NOM’s homophobia and divisiveness, NOM Exposed is out with a counter pledge that promotes equality for everyone:
Our guest blogger is Jerome Hunt, a research associate for LGBT Progress at the Center for American Progress Action Fund.
This week, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) addressed gay and transgender housing discrimination on the White House Blog. The post revealed that in a recent survey of transgender and gender non-conforming persons, 19 percent have been refused housing or an apartment and 19 percent became homeless as a result of their gender identity. A recent brief by the Center for American Progress also found that 38 percent of same-sex couples were discriminated against when attempting to buy or rent property.
The administration’s post comes on the heels of the Unites States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) 2011 annual update to Opening Doors: Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness, an interagency effort to prevent and end homelessness. Despite the fact that gay and transgender individuals were only reference once in the annual update — in the context of a collaborative effort by the Department of Education hosting the first ever gay and transgender youth summit — homelessness in this community is a serious problem.
The estimated 320,000 to 400,000 gay and transgender homeless youth face the greatest challenges. These Americans find themselves homeless for a number of factors beyond their control including a lack of supportive family or educational structures and discriminatory treatment in out-of-home care facilities. Gay and transgender youth who fall through the cracks have a hard time transiting to a successful and stable adulthood and face higher rates of workplace discrimination and poverty that only exacerbates the problem of homelessness. For example, approximately 8 to 17 percent of gay and transgender workers have reported being passed over for a job or fired because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Over the past two years, HUD has taken several important steps to ensure that gay and transgender person not only have equal access to housing, but HUD programs. The agency is pursing complaints from gay and transgender persons who have experienced discrimination in housing because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, conducting a nationwide study of gay and transgender housing discrimination, and has issued a rule that proposes regulatory changes to ensure that gay and transgender individuals and families have equal access to housing.
While Congress considers a legislative fix — Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) and Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) recently introduced the Housing Opportunities Made Equal Act to expand existing federal housing nondiscrimination requirements to include sexual orientation and gender identity — HUD is filling an important void in ensuring that homeless LGBT Americans are no longer invisible.
Virginia state Sen. Janet Howell, a Democratic incumbent running for re-election to the state Senate, is allegedly “gay-baiting” Republican voters into opposing her openly gay Republican challenger Patrick Forrest. Audio recordings obtained by the Washington Blade’s Chris Johnson appear to confirm that Howell volunteers are “reaching out to conservative voters in her district to inform them of his sexual orientation in an effort to dissuade them from supporting him.” Howell, a 19-year incumbent with a strong pro-gay record, is disputing the claims.
But in the exchange below, Kavita Imarti, an intoxicated volunteer for Howell, can be heard admitting to Forrest’s field director Eric Newland that the campaign is informing conservative voters of Forrest’s sexuality and claiming that he will push a “homosexual agenda” in schools. “We’re showing your party [is]… prejudiced against someone because of their sexuality,” Imarti shouts on the recording:
NEWLAND: So you’re telling me it’s okay for the campaign to be telling people…
IMARTI: Yes! Because you guys are racist bastards. I’m sorry…We’re showing your party that you’re racist mother fuckers… That you guys are prejudiced against someone because of their sexuality. We are basically pinpointing your prejudice.
NEWLAND: So you’re telling everybody [Forrest] is gay…
IMARTI: You guys say you’re anti-gay but you have a gay candidate….We’re not attacking Patrick. We’re attacking the party that may support Patrick that never will. We know you won’t support Patrick. That’s so stupid! Why would you not support someone because of their orientation? [...]
NEWLAND: Is it okay to tell someone in the middle of the campaign — go over and tell this Christian lady that Patrick is going to be promoting a homosexual agenda in your schools?
52 Percent Of Lesbian And Gay Employees Are ‘Out’ |
MSNBC’s Thomas Roberts highlighted the Center for Work Life Policy’s recent survey about the benefits of being “out” in the workplace this afternoon. The study found that 52 percent of workers are out, while the 48 percent who have to hind their sexual orientation experience more stress, are stalled in their careers, and feel isolated at work. Read the study and watch the segment:
GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s chief struggle in political life is deciding exactly where he stands on an issue. When it comes to gay families, Romney shifty nature launches into overdrive. Years ago, Romney seemed to accept the idea that same-sex couples can adopt a child. “They are able to adopt children…And I’m not going to change that,” he said in 2006, noting that same-sex couples have “a legitimate interest” in adoption. “Obviously, that’s their right,” he said in 2007.
But in aiming to secure the GOP presidential nomination for 2012, Romney has walked back his support for gay and lesbian families. During an August GOP debate, the former Massachusetts governor said he would work to institute a federal constitutional amendment defining marriage as a between a man and a woman “because I believe the ideal place to raise a child is in a home with a mom and dad.” He doubled down on that position during a town hall in New Hampshire earlier this week, arguing that while he would support “partnership agreements” for same-sex couples, “the ideal setting to raise a child for a society like ours is where there is a man and a woman.”
Thus, it’s somewhat surprising that Romney’s most recent comment on the matter would allow states to place children in same-sex households. When CNS News asked Romney whether the benefits from his so-called “partnership agreements” would allow adoption, Romney’s team traded the “ideal” family talking point for the idea that same-sex adoption rights are a state issue:
Romney said he favors traditional marriage and believes children are better served by a mother and father. But he also said he would favor “partnership agreements” between same-sex couples that would allow certain benefits afforded to married couples. Aside from hospital visitation rights, Romney did not elaborate on what these benefits would be.
CNSNews.com asked if they would include allowing same-sex couples to adopt children.
In response, Romney spokesman [Ryan] Williams said it was an issue Romney believed “should be assessed on a state-by-state basis” and referenced several statements the candidate has made on the matter.
It seems Romney is heralding back to his earlier years, restating a similar view from 2007, where he said adoption by same-sex couples is “something that is assessed on a state-by-state basis.” Indeed, when ABC’s George Stephanopoulous asked him that year whether he had mocked such adoptions at one point, Romney rejected the notion: “I don’t mean to mock them in any way and I know we have gay adoption in Massachusetts, other states do. It’s a decision made state by state.”
Senate Banned Funding To AIDS Programs That ‘Promote Homosexuality’ 24 Years Ago Today |
The U.S. Senate voted 94-2 to ban federal funding for AIDS programs that “promote homosexuality,” 24 years ago today, Box Turtle Bulletin’s Jim Burroway notes. Sen. Jesse Helms (R-NC) offered the amendment and cited comic books published by the Gay Mens’ Health Crisis in New York to argue, “If the American people saw these books, they would be on the verge of revolt.” He claimed the books showed “graphic detail of a sexual encounter between two homosexual men. The comic books do not encourage a change in that perverted behavior. In fact, the comic books promote sodomy.” The measure passed in the House by a vote of 358-47 and remained in effect until it was overturned by a federal court in 1992.
NEWS FLASH
Male Cheerleader Suspended, Kicked Off Cheerleading Squad For Same-Sex Kiss |
Alice High School in South Texas has suspended a gay male student for sharing a kiss with another male in the band hall. The 17-year-old senior was also kicked off the cheerleading team, even though KRISTV.com reports “the young man spent countless hours practicing every day for years to make the varsity cheer squad.” The kiss was captured on a school surveillance camera, leading the student to think he had been monitored due to his sexual orientation. “They never check cameras for anything unless something is stolen,” he said. Watch the report:
Senate Judiciary Committee To Consider DOMA Repeal Bill In November |
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT) announced that his committee will mark up and vote on legislation to repeal the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act sometime in November. The so-called Respect for Marriage Act would rescind DOMA and allow the federal government to provide benefits to same-sex couples legally married in Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Connecticut, Iowa, and the District of Columbia. The bill would not compel individual states to recognize same-sex marriages, however. The measure boasts 30 co-sponsors in the Senate and 121 in the House.
Without a Mike Huckabee-like figure in the race, Evangelical pastors are divided over who to endorse for the GOP presidential nomination. Christian leaders don’t trust presumptive nominee Mitt Romney “because of his Mormon faith and his past support of gay rights and abortion rights,” and they’re not too impressed with the rest of the pack either.
For instance, Michele Bachmann has courted the social conservative vote throughout her political career, but the Associated Press’ Thomas Beaumont reports that her recent diva-esque behavior and gender have turned off more than a few would be supporters:
The pastors see faults in all.
While Bachmann’s aides have been vigilant about reaching out to pastors, she has developed a reputation for being late and has kept some pastors waiting for scheduled telephone calls. Some never came. And, pastors privately say, she faces doubts from some members of the evangelical clergy who oppose women in executive positions and others who question whether Muslim leaders would respect a woman president.
Santorum has come under scrutiny for his endorsement of former Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter, a Republican who supported abortion rights. The endorsement is a turn-off on an issue at the very heart of the social conservative movement. Pastors have questioned him about it.
And some have objected strongly to Perry’s 2007 executive order requiring school-age girls to be vaccinated against a sexually transmitted virus that can cause cancer.
Perry is still trying to win over conservative religious voters and keep his sinking campaign afloat. This morning, the Texas governor refused to repudiate the comments of prominent endorser Rev. Robert Jeffress — who has described Mormonism as a “cult” — and agreed that he has been persecuted because of his Christian Conservative ideology. Perry has surrounded himself with many other controversial conservatives who regularly speak out against gays, Muslims, Jews, or any other minorities who disagree with their Evangelical world view, but remains to be seen whether any of this will translate into greater political support.
Meanwhile, a new “Draft Huckabee 2012” website has appeared, coaxing the former Arkansas governor to reconsider his decision to not seek the presidential nomination.
California Passes Divorce Law For Same-Sex Couples |
California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) has signed a law that will allow same-sex couples “who married in the state but now reside in another – one that doesn’t recognize same-sex marriage – recognition of divorce.” The law stipulates that “if a couple got married in California but lives in a state that won’t grant them a divorce (which is presumed if the state doesn’t recognize their marriage), the California court will have jurisdiction to grant them a dissolution.”
Republican lawmakers in New Hampshire have pledged to repeal the state’s same-sex marriage law in the next legislative session, but a new WMUR Granite State Poll finds that voters want to keep marriage equality by a two to one margin. Just 8 percent said that the law had “a major effect on the state,” while 28 percent saw a “minor effect” and 47 percent saw no effect at all:
WMUR Granite State poll shows that only 27 percent of New Hampshire adults support repealing same-sex marriage, while 50 percent strongly oppose repeal. The percentages are similar to a poll asking the same question in February.
Supporters of repealing the same-sex marriage law were asked whether they were more or less likely to support a House or Senate candidate who opposed repeal, and opponents were asked if they were more or less likely to support candidates who supported repeal. The survey found that same-sex marriage was a much more important issue for those who oppose repealing the law.
The survey showed that 44 percent of New Hampshire adults are more likely to vote against a candidate who is in favor of repealing same-sex marriage, while 14 percent said they were less likely to support a candidate who opposes repealing the law.
Last month, a subcommittee of the New Hampshire House approved a bill that preserves existing same-sex marriages, but would repeal the marriage equality law and allow “both same-sex couples and heterosexual couples to form civil unions.” The bill also contains language that “allows any business, individual, school or association to refuse to recognize civil unions, exempting them from state laws that bar discrimination on housing, employment, contracts and grants.” The full House will not vote on the bill until next year.
The legislature tried to adopt similar measures last year, but ultimately postponed the question to focus on economic issues. A poll from February similarly found that 62 percent of New Hampshire voters are opposed to repealing the marriage law.
Perry Refuses To Repudiate Jeffress: ‘I Won’t Say That He Can’t Say What He Wants To Say’ |
Rick Perry refused to repudiate the comments of prominent endorser Rev. Robert Jeffress during his appearances on the morning talks shows today, saying that while he disagrees with Jeffress’ assertion that Mormonism is a “cult,” he won’t “say that [Jeffress] can’t say what he wants to say.” Jeffress has also claimed that AIDS is a gay disease and that gay people are promiscuous. “This is about freedom of speech. I mean, freedom of religion. Our founding fathers were wise in creating those rights. Freedom of religions and we have a great number of faiths. And I support people’s choice of being able to pick and choose their faith,” Perry said on ABC’s Good Morning America. “Those folks who say those things, are going to be the ones that you need to be asking the questions to, not those of us who are either associated with them, know them, or for that matter, have endorsed President Obama,” he added. Watch it:
Welcome to The Morning Pride, ThinkProgress LGBT’s 8:45 AM round-up of the latest in LGBT policy, politics, and some culture too! Here’s what we’re reading this morning, but let us know what you’re checking out too. Follow us all day on Twitter at @TPEquality.
- The Log Cabin Republicans have petitioned for a rehearing of their case against Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, arguing that the case is not moot even though the law has been repealed.
- The Campaign for Southern Equality’s “We Do” campaign will advance today with a public, interfaith blessing for LGBT families and an act of civil disobedience.
- A New Jersey teacher is under fire for writing anti-gay comments on Facebook, such as, ”Homosexuality is a perverted spirit that has existed from the beginning of creation.”
- The National Organization for Marriage claims in its latest email that “hundreds” of supporters of “traditional marriage” are the real victims who’ve been “bullied, threatened, and even fired from their jobs.”
Rep. Duncan Hunter Jr. (R-CA) — who orchestrated several unsuccessful legislative maneuvers to delay the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell — told the Family Research Council’s Tony Perkins this afternoon that the “homosexual lobby” is pushing for “a military takeover by the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender community”:
This week, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) addressed gay and transgender housing discrimination 
Virginia state Sen. Janet Howell, a Democratic incumbent running for re-election to the state Senate, is allegedly “
Without a Mike Huckabee-like figure in the race, Evangelical pastors are divided over who to endorse for the GOP presidential nomination. Christian leaders don’t trust presumptive nominee Mitt Romney “because of his Mormon faith and 
Republican lawmakers in New Hampshire have pledged to repeal the state’s same-sex marriage law in the next legislative session, but a new WMUR Granite State Poll finds that voters want to keep marriage equality 
