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Exxon Mobil Sued For Anti-Gay Employment Discrimination

Donald Rumsfeld: Marriage Equality May Lead To Polygamy

Justice

GOP Iowa Governor: Anti-Gay Groups Likely To Try To Oust Another Iowa Marriage Equality Justice

By Ian Millhiser posted from ThinkProgress Justice on May 15, 2012 at 5:18 pm

Iowa Supreme Court Justice David Wiggins

In 2010, anti-gay groups such as the Mississippi-based hate group the American Family Association spent close to $800,000 to remove three Iowa Supreme Court justices who joined that court’s unanimous decision holding that marriage equality is required by the Iowa constitution. This fall, Justice David Wiggins is also up for a retention election, and Iowa’s GOP Gov. Terry Branstad recently announced that a similar campaign against Wiggins is likely. Wiggins, however, actually plans to fight back:

Iowa Supreme Court Justice David Wiggins vows he won’t stand quietly by if opponents of same-sex marriage launch a potent campaign to oust him from the bench.

“If someone wants to attack me, I’m not going to let them bully me,” Wiggins said in a telephone interview last week with The Des Moines Register. “If asked to, I’ll speak up for myself. The others didn’t do that last time. I will.”

Justice Wiggins’ statement that he actually plans to campaign to keep his job should not seem all that remarkable, if it were not for the fact that his three former colleagues essentially threw their retention races in 2010 by refusing to do the same:

[Former Justice David] Baker, in his speech accepting the Profile in Courage Award, said that he, Streit and Ternus made a deliberate decision not to form campaign committees in 2010.

“Our founding fathers chose wisely to not have judges in a political position,” Baker told the audience, which included Wiggins. “Had we chosen to form campaigns, we would have tacitly admitted that we were what we claimed not to be — politicians. … We strongly believed that the people of Iowa did not want us to be in the position of raising money for a campaign.”

Pretending that you are above the fray may be a lovely way to earn awards, but it is no way to win an election. Moreover, by effectively throwing their elections, Baker, Streit and Ternus did a whole lot more to undermine judicial independence than they did to protect it — their defeats only emboldened their opponents, and encouraged more efforts to apply political pressure to judges.

Romney: ‘The Price Of Same-Sex Marriage Is Paid By The Children’

By Zack Ford on May 15, 2012 at 4:30 pm

RightWingWatch has uncovered a clip of Mitt Romney speaking at an event known as “Liberty Sunday” in 2006 alongside anti-gay hate group leaders like Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council, Don Wildmon of the American Family Association, and James Dobson, formerly of Focus on the Family. In his speech, Romney attacked the Massachusetts Supreme Court for its marriage equality decision, warning that there would be severe consequences for children:

ROMNEY: Here in Massachusetts, activist judges struck a blow to the foundation of civilization: the family. They ruled that our Constitution requires people of the same gender to marry. I believe their error occurred because they focused on adult rights. They said that if heterosexual adults can marry, then homosexual couples have to also be able to marry to have equal rights. But what they ignored is that marriage is not primarily about adults; marriage is about the nurturing and development of children.

A child’s development is enhanced by the nurturing of both genders. Every child deserves a mother and a father. Of course, the principle burden of this court’s ruling doesn’t fall on adults; it falls on children. We’re asked to change the state birth certificate to prevent heterocentricity — “mother” and “father” will become “Parent A” and “Parent B.” An elementary school teacher reads to her second-graders from a book titled “The King and the King” [sic] about a prince who marries a prince. And a second-grader’s father is denied the right to have his daughter taken out of that classroom while the book is being read.[...]

The price of same-sex marriage is paid by the children. Our fight for marriage then should focus on the needs of children, not the rights of adults.

Romney then endorsed a federal constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. Watch it:

The clip is telling for how blithely Romney condemned same-sex couples and propagated conservatives’ fear-mongering talking points about children before embarking on the presidential campaign trail. Of course, he’s wrong that children are somehow better off with “a mother and a father”— studies have consistently shown that the kids of same-sex couples are just as well-adjusted. Ironically, all of the points Romney made refer to adult privileges, not child protections: the expectations that archaic gender roles be celebrated, that the Catholic Church has free reign to discriminate, and that parents have the right to deprive their children of inclusive educations.

The “nurturing and development of children” is exactly why marriage equality is important to same-sex couples. Their families deserve the same protections and security as all other families. They are a part of schools and communities across this nation and cannot be erased or hidden from view simply because Romney doesn’t want kids to know they exist.

Congressman Maintains It Should Be Legal To Fire Someone For Being Gay, Attacks ThinkProgress

By Annie-Rose Strasser and Scott Keyes on May 15, 2012 at 3:50 pm

Rep. James Lankford (R-OK)

During an interview last week, Rep. James Lankford (R-OK) told ThinkProgress that he doesn’t believe that LGBT people should be protected from being fired because of their sexual orientation.

But yesterday, Lankford went on Oklahoma local television to say that we misrepresented his comments. According to Lankford, he wasn’t saying employers should be allowed to fire someone for being gay — just that being gay is a choice and LGBT people should not be protected from workplace discrimination.

Did you notice the distinction? Neither did we.

According to the station, Oklahoma News 6, Lankford reaffirmed that being gay is a choice and shouldn’t be protected while simultaneously denying that he thinks it should be legal to fire someone for it:

After an impromptu interview with Rep. Lankford, the liberal blog “Think Progress,” reported Lankford said he believes an employer should be able to fire someone for his or her sexual orientation.

Lankford said the blog misrepresented what he said. He said he told the interviewer being gay is a choice and should not be protected from workplace discrimination. He said he believes the distinction lies in a person’s choice to act on their sexual orientation.

Watch it:

For comparison’s sake, here is the main paragraph from our original post:

In a conversation on Capitol Hill, Lankford expressed his strong belief that being gay is a choice, and that LGBT workers should not be protected from workplace discrimination because it’s something they can change. “You don’t walk up to someone on the street and look at them and say, ‘gay or straight?’”

Lankford also accused ThinkProgress of singling him out for being Christian, a charge so absurd it doesn’t even merit a response.

Update

Rep. Lankford has told a local Oklahoma station that he has received threats over his opposition to protecting LGBT people from workplace discrimination.

NEWS FLASH

Documentary Highlights Unique Challenges Of Anti-LGBT Bullying | The documentary Bully is opening up new conversations about bullying across the country, but a new film called Teach Your Children Well looks at the unique experience of the victims of anti-gay bullying. At a screening yesterday, the film’s director, Gary Takesian, pointed out that many gay kids do not have the support of their families, which can compound the feelings of isolation, helplessness, and hopelessness they experience when targets for bullying. The Family Acceptance Project has found that family rejection itself has many negative consequences even in the absence of bullying. Check out a trailer for the film:

Note: This film uses the term “bullycide,” which many experts worry can elevate suicide contagion risk by implying that suicide is a natural response to bullying. Bullying can be a contributing factor to symptoms of depression, but does not inevitably lead to suicide.

GOP Rep: No Domestic Violence Protections For LGBT Families Because They Don’t Exist Under The Law

By Annie-Rose Strasser on May 15, 2012 at 2:14 pm

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), vice chairwoman of the House Republican Caucus, believes that domestic violence in LGBT relationships is a ‘separate issue’ and should not be included in a bill that aims to prevent domestic violence.

In an interview with MSNBC’s Hardball Host Chris Matthews, McMorris Rodgers pushed back against the Democrats’ call for a provision in the Violence Against Women Act that applies to LGBT couples, saying that domestic violence in LGBT couples is a “side issue,” and that Congress should not be addressing LGBT victims until they address the federal status of LGBT couples:

MATTHEWS: Why don’t you cover people who are not in a traditional marriage? Why would you limit it to just traditional marriage folk?

MCMORRIS RODGERS: Well– what I — Those are side issues that have been attached to this bill and I think it’s very important to–

MATTHEWS: Well it’s not side issues if you’re getting beat up by your partner. That’s not a side issue, it’s your life.

MCMORRIS RODGERS: That is an issue — there is nothing under federal law that currently recognizes same-sex couples and so if we’re going to have that debate in Congress is should be a separate debate from the reauthorization of the Violence against women act–

MATTHEWS: But Congresswoman, you write the law. You said there’s nothing in the law, you write the law, you can write it any way you want. Why not write it to include people in these different kinds of relationships that could involve physical violence?

MCMORRIS RODGERS: That’s a separate issue from the Violence Against Women Act and we are committed to getting it — it should be debated separately, if we’re going to change our federal law related to same-sex couples.

Watch it:

Cases of LGBT domestic violence increased 38 percent from last year. Seven people died from same-sex domestic abuse. And of those who sought it, 44 percent of LGBT victims were turned away from traditional shelters. McMorris Rodgers may consider it a separate issue, but abuse is abuse, no matter the victim’s sexual orientation.

Alyssa

Jay-Z For Marriage Equality

By Alyssa Rosenberg posted from ThinkProgress Alyssa on May 15, 2012 at 1:30 pm

I agree with Tyler Lewis that what’s most striking about Jay-Z’s endorsement of marriage equality in the wake of Obama’s public statement of support is his nonchalance:

Even more than stirring appeals to the legacy of civil rights, I think this tone, these suggestions that marriage equality is just logical is useful. The Proposition 8 trial was a valuable small-scale expose of the contortions foes of marriage equality put themselves through to try to come up with a scientific or sociological justification for their views. But if on a larger scale, people like Jay-Z can convey the impression that support for equality is a more natural default than support for discriminatory laws, it’ll be easier for people who don’t have deeply thought-out reasons to oppose marriage equality to simply side with the default. And the more folks like Obama and Jay-Z speak up, the greater lie they can give to the unfortunate and divisive perception that black Americans are uniquely homophobic. We need both to convince new allies, and to recognize the ones we may have unfairly dismissed.

Health

Sen. Bernie Sanders Offers Plan To Lower Cost Of HIV Drugs

By Amanda Peterson Beadle posted from ThinkProgress Health on May 15, 2012 at 12:51 pm

Because drug manufacturers waive their patent rights in developing nations in compliance with the President’s Emergency Fund for AIDS Relief, Americans have paid tens of thousands for the same HIV drugs that cost hundreds of dollars in Africa. The enormous cost burden — as much as $30,000 a year — makes it difficult for many HIV patients to keep up with drug regimens. But as Politico reports, a Senate subcommittee will hear a proposal by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) to help lower the costs. Sanders’ plan would offer prize money instead of patent rights to companies that make new HIV drugs, so the medication would go straight to the generic market.

Drugmakers argue that they can’t make a profit without drug patents, which lets them charge less in developing nations, but “these costs can be a huge barrier to treatment,” said Mark Harrington, executive director of the Treatment Action Group.

The hearing will also look at the challenges faced by HIV patients without access to health care:

The challenge for uninsured HIV patients has worsened during the recession, as many states have taken steps to contain costs in the AIDS Drug Assistance Programs [ADAP] funded jointly by state and federal dollars. Many patient advocates are hopeful that the health reform law will get coverage to many low-income HIV patients if it goes into effect in 2014, but they worry that patients could still face high co-pays for specialty drugs and other gaps in coverage.

Even with the discount offered through ADAP programs, Ann Lefert, policy director at the National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors, told Politico that it still costs an average of $10,000 per year for one patient. And some states have waiting lists for their ADAP programs or are taking steps to contain costs.

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly three out of four Americans with HIV are not receiving enough medicine or regular health care “to stay healthy or prevent themselves from transmitting the virus to others.”

NEWS FLASH

Transgender Youth Face Unique Risk For Eating Disorders | A new study at Washington State University examined the body satisfaction of transgender youth and young adults and found that 17 percent of participants reported having experienced an eating disorder. As research Cindy Ola explains, “Transgender individuals may attempt to make clear their internal and external self by forming an identity that matches their gender identity. Therefore, these individuals find themselves dealing with body dissatisfaction, experience negative relationships with their reflection in the mirror, and may alter their appearance in numerous ways to achieve a suitable gender identity.” Forty of the 65 respondents expressed dissatisfaction with their bodies, and 21 of them attributed that feeling to gender-related issues. Those who felt better about their bodies credited hormone therapy and sexual reassignment surgery to their improved self-image and well-being.

THE OBAMA EFFECT: Major Political Figures Who Have Come Out For Marriage Equality This Week

By Zack Ford on May 15, 2012 at 11:25 am

The symbolic impact of President Obama’s endorsement of marriage equality cannot be overstated. In the days immediately following his announcement last Wednesday, several other prominent political figures followed his lead, declaring their own support for the freedom to marry:

  • Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI) took to twitter shortly after Obama’s interviews to offer not only his support for same-sex marriage, but for the Respect for Marriage Act, which would repeal the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act.
  • Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) released an extremely supportive statement, calling it “no business of mine if two men or two women want to get married” and “absurd” that such marriages would have any impact on his life. He later added that he would support legalizing same-sex marriage in Nevada.
  • Democratic House Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD) joined the chorus on Thursday, saying that extending marriage equality “is the right thing to do and will not, in any way, undermine the institution of marriage.”
  • Former Sen. Bob Kerrey (D-NE), who is running for re-election after an 11-year hiatus, voiced his support for marriage equality, calling for “increased awareness of the struggle of gay and lesbian Americans.”
  • Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn (D) came out for marriage equality on Friday, and this week committed to working with state lawmakers to make it a reality in the state.
  • House Assistant Minority Leader James Clyburn (D-SC) added his support for same-sex marriage as a civil right, which he believes should be supported by national policy.

It’s worth also noting that Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee (I) issued an executive order yesterday requiring all state agencies to recognize same-sex marriage. This new momentum only adds to the many Democratic Party Chairs who have endorsed a marriage equality plank as part of the party’s 2012 platform. New enthusiasm for marriage equality will also help in state ballot fights in Minnesota and Maine, as well as those expected in Washington and Maryland.  This surge is a testament to Obama’s leadership and the turning tide of history toward justice for all.

NEWS FLASH

POLL: 54 Percent Of African-Americans Agree With Obama On Marriage | The National Organization for Marriage’s confidential memos leaked earlier this year showed a concerted effort by conservatives to drive a wedge between gays and people of color, but a new poll shows just how unrealistic their narrative is. A new ABC News/Washington Post poll finds that 54 percent of African-Americans join President Obama in supporting marriage equality with only 37 percent opposed, numbers comparable to national averages. While groups like NOM attempt to showcase anti-gay leaders from the Church of God in Christ as spokespeople for the black community, it’s more clear than ever that they do not speak for their racial community any more than any other conservative talking heads.

Update

The Washington Post also highlights how Obama’s support for the freedom to marry has energized young Hispanic voters working with gay activists on immigration reform.

Justice

Virginia House Rejects Judge Because He Is Gay

By Ian Millhiser posted from ThinkProgress Justice on May 15, 2012 at 9:50 am

Virginia Delegate Bob Marshall (R)

Tracy Thorne-Begland served his country for 20 years in the Navy. After his discharge, he then rose to become one of the top prosecutors in the city of Richmond, Virginia. He was sponsored for a low-level trial judgeship by a bipartisan mix of state lawmakers, and seemed a shoo-in for the job. And then this happened:

Delegate Bob Marshall said he will seek to remove the name of Richmond prosecutor Tracy Thorne-Begland from a list of proposed District Court judicial appointments.

“I don’t even think it’s proper to put his name forward because of his behavior,” said Marshall, who called Thorne-Begland “a homosexual activist,” in a press release.

Thorne-Begland has been nominated to serve as a judge for Richmond’s General District Court, but, Marshall challenges the nomination on the grounds of the prosecutor’s sexual orientation.

“We have a constitution which says marriage is between one man and one woman and if he’s taking an oath, he has to uphold and defend that as a judge,” said Marshall.

“If his lifestyle is exactly contrary to that… I don’t see how he could do that,” he said.

Last night, the Virginia House of Delegates fell 18 votes short of the 51 needed to appoint Thorne-Begland to the state bench, effectively killing his opportunity to become a judge. Had he been appointed, Thorne-Begland would have been the only openly gay judge on the Virginia bench.

Moreover, its worth noting that the General District Court is the very lowest court in Virginia, hearing little more than misdemeanors and small dollar civil suits. So it’s unlikely that a gay rights issue could even come before Thorne-Begland if he joined this court.

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NEWS FLASH

Lincoln, Nebraska Passes LGBT Nondiscrimination Protections | The Lincoln, Nebraska City Council last night approved an LGBT nondiscrimination policy with a 5-0 vote, the two Republicans abstaining. Nebraska Attorney General recently offered an opinion that such municipal ordinances were unconstitutional, but the leadership in Lincoln was undeterred. Two conservative advocacy groups have pledged to reverse the decision with a public referendum, but they have only two weeks to collect 2,500 petition signatures. The Council heard seven hours of testimony last week, some of which was incredibly anti-gay and anti-trans. Blogger AKSARBENT has clips:

The Morning Pride: May 15, 2012

By Zack Ford on May 15, 2012 at 8:39 am

Welcome to The Morning Pride, ThinkProgress LGBT’s daily round-up of the latest in LGBT policy, politics, and some culture too! Here’s what we’re reading this morning, but please let us know what stories you’re following as well. Follow us all day on Twitter at @TPEquality.

- During this commencement address at Barnard College and subsequent speech in New York, President Obama referenced the LGBT community, including using the phrase “marriage equality” for the first time.

- In a taped appearance on The View, the President explained that supporting “marriage” over civil unions is important because of the federal benefits that depend on the word.

- A Pew poll found that 52 percent are not affected by Obama’s support for marriage equality, and a 52 percent majority of Minnesotans agree with him.

- One of Mitt Romney’s prominent gay donors, Bill White (CEO of the Constellations Group), has pulled his funding because of the candidate’s anti-equality position.

- MSNBC is also confused about whether the Republican Party supports the Employment Non-Discrimination Act.

- North Carolina Gov. Bev Perdue (D) has cleared the air with Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant (R) over her comments comparing their states.

- Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) has placed her chief of staff, Murat Gokcigdem, on indefinite leave because of an email she sent disparaging a gay staffer.

- The Indianapolis gay teen expelled for carrying a stun gun to protect himself from bullies has been attacked at a local mall.

- Chris Hughes, co-founder of Facebook, has pledged $100,000 to the marriage equality ballot campaign in Maine.

- Jay-Z has added his support to Obama’s comments on marriage equality.

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