June, 2012 News (77 Articles with 80,349 total views)
On the cover of the print edition for June, 2012 'Harvey and Kevin, with Evan, together 22 years.' Part of the 'First Comes Love' exhibit at Jamestown Community College
This is the second run of Erie Gay News, which began publishing again in December of 2002. This is the current publication for the region. The co-editors are Deb Spilko and Michael Mahler , with Mike Lipiec handling graphic/ad layout.
Calendar & Upcoming Events
Calendar of Local GLBT Events |
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Local/Regional News
Jamestown stands up to hate
It’s a known fact that same-sex marriage is good for tourism. In fact, New York City’s own official tourism organization, NYC & Company, recognized that, embracing the new marriage law by launching a campaign aimed at making the city a destination for same-sex weddings. In a statement their CEO noted,“We anticipate that the campaign ...will create hundreds of millions of dollars in additional economic impact to the City’s $31 billion tourism industry, and have a positive impact on tourism industry jobs.”
Pride 2012 T-shirts are ready
NW PA Pride Alliance, Inc. will once again be selling T-shirts to raise funds for Pride events! The back of the shirt also includes a calendar of major events in the area, as well as sponsors who help make Pride possible! T-shirts are $17 for regular style shirts in sizes small through XL, $18 for tank tops in sizes small through XL and regular 2XL and 3 XL and tank top 2XL are $19. We can accept cash or credit/debit cards. Shirts will be on sale throughout the summer. For more info, please contact Michael Mahler at (814) 456-9833 or [email protected].
Miss Erie Pageant on June 8
“Bewitched”—welcome to Miss Erie 2012. The theme this year is “The Diva School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.”
20th Annual Pride Picnic on June 16
NW PA Pride Alliance, Inc. is very proud to present the 20th Annual Erie Pride Picnic on Saturday, June 16 from 1 to 6 PM at the Rotary Pavilion at Presque Isle State Park, Erie PA. Please bring a dish to share; we will be providing hot dogs, meatballs, potatoes, soft drinks and water. There is no charge to attend, but donations are very much appreciated! If possible, We ask that each person pre-register here. You can also find NW PA Pride Alliance, Inc. on Facebook.
100+ Family Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Erie Garage Sale
This 23rd annual event is scheduled for Friday, June 15th and Saturday, June 16th, from 9 AM until 2 PM (numbers at the door at 8 AM) at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Erie. Donations such as clothing, books, housewares, tools, furniture, etc. are needed for the sale. You are welcome to drop them off any evening from 6 PM until 9 PM starting Sunday, June 10th through Thursday, June 14th. Items must be usable and clean (no TVs, computer monitors, stuffed animals or encyclopedias). Please join us the day of the sale and find yourself a bargain. Grab a snack from our kitchen and try our yummy baked goods! You can find us at 7180 New Perry Highway 864-9300 between 9 AM and Noon.
Mayor Luke Ravensthal's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgendered (LGBT) Advisory Council Announces First Annual Diversity Job Fair
Pittsburgh, PA- May 16, 2012- The City of Pittsburgh's Mayor's LGBT Advisory council will be hosting its first annual diversity job fair on Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at PNC Bank's Firstside Center located at 500 First Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. The job fair is intended to offer potential candidates a forum to meet with representatives from various corporations throughout the city of Pittsburgh to discuss employment opportunities. The participating corporations all share a similar approach to employment hiring practices that offers an open and accepting work environment for individuals from diverse backgrounds.
ArtParty Celebrating First Anniversary of NY State Marriage Act
In celebration of New York State's first anniversary of the Marriage Act, Jamestown Community College's Weeks Gallery will present an ArtParty on June 15, 2012. The programs continue on June 16 with a panel presentation, film screening, and opportunities for networking. The exhibit will run June 18 through August 9.
Spirituality and Religion
Lutherans Concerned/North America Becomes ReconcilingWorks
Advocacy and support for LGBT Lutherans and their families in church and society and reconciliation for a church united in mission, valuing the gifts of all "ReconcilingWorks" is the new name for Lutherans Concerned/North America, the organization working for decades among Lutherans for the full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in the life of the church. In 2009, a major milestone was achieved when the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America voted to allow ministers in lifelong, same-gender relationships to serve in the church. In 2011, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada established policies that permit the legal marriage or blessing of same-gender couples and that removed sexual orientation as an impediment to ordination.
Political, Activism and Legal
Same-Sex Couples Seek To Strengthen Families By Expanding Adoption Rights In North Carolina
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of North Carolina Legal Foundation filed a lawsuit today on behalf of six same-sex couples and their children seeking the right to obtain second parent adoptions.
Cyclist Launches Cross-Country Ride for Freedom to Marry
Portland – On June 15, 2012, Richard Carey, 53, will climb onto his bicycle in Vancouver, Washington for the beginning of a 53 day, 3,667 mile ride across America with the goal of having conversations along the way about why the freedom to marry matters to gay and lesbian couples. The ride will also raise funds for Freedom to Marry’s Win More States Fund, which is supporting the campaign in Washington and other contested states.
Ohio House Representatives call on House leadership to pass Civil Rights Legislation
Columbus - June 13, 2012 - Today, State Representatives Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) and Ross McGregor (R-Springfield) announced that they had signed on to a letter to Speaker Batchelder and the Chair of the Commerce and Labor Committee Young last week urging the committee to take action on House Bill 335, which was introduced in September 2011.
Freedom to Work Sends Letter to Majority Leader Reid Demanding Vote this Summer on Employment Non-Disc Act (ENDA)
WASHINGTON, DC – This morning, Freedom to Work – a national organization working to ban workplace discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Americans – sent an open letter penned by the group's president, Tico Almeida, to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nevada) demanding he bring the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) directly to the floor of the U.S. Senate for a vote this summer. Read the entire text of Almeida’s letter to Senator Reid, here.
Following Southern Poverty Law Center Demand, Hardin County Schools Agree to Respect Student Free Speech Rights
SAVANNAH, Tenn. – The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) announced today that the Hardin County School District has recognized the right of students to express acceptance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students, including the right to display slogans and symbols expressing such acceptance.
Casey Statement on Employment Non-Discrimination Act Hearing
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) today attended a Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing on the bipartisan Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). Senator Casey, a cosponsor of ENDA, called for the hearing in a bipartisan letter to the HELP Committee last month.
Boy Scouts National Board Member Calls for End to Ban on Gay Scouts and Leaders
NEW YORK, NY – James Turley, Chairman & CEO of Ernst & Young and a Board member of the Boy Scouts of America, announced tonight that he supports an end to the Boy Scouts’ ban on gay scouts and gay scout leaders.
Boy Scouts of America considers allowing local troops to accept gay youth and leaders
NEW YORK, NY – Sources have confirmed that Boy Scouts of America officials have proposed a new policy -- which could be voted on as early as 2013 -- that would allow local chartering organizations to decide whether or not to accept gay youth and leaders.
Task Force launches 'Queer the Vote' campaign
WASHINGTON, June 6 - The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force today launched 'Queer the Vote,' (http://www.queerthevote.org/) a campaign to educate and mobilize lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights supporters in this critical and volatile election year.
Anti-Marriage Advocates in WA Submit Signatures Putting Law on 2012 Ballot
SEATTLE – Today marriage opponents in Washington state have submitted signatures to bring the freedom to marry to a vote on the November ballot following the passage of a marriage bill earlier this year, which was signed by Governor Chris Gregoire and scheduled to go into effect later this week.
Federal Court Declares 'Defense of Marriage Act' Unconstitutional
NEW YORK – A federal judge ruled today that a critical section of the so-called “Defense of Marriage Act” (DOMA) unconstitutionally discriminates against married same-sex couples. Today’s decision joins three other federal courts that have struck down DOMA under the Constitution.
More than 15,000 Urge Best Buy to Oppose Minnesota Marriage Amendment
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – More than 15,000 people have joined a popular campaign on Change.org calling on Best Buy to speak out against a 2012 ballot measure that would amend the Minnesota constitution to ban same-sex marriage.
Proposition 8 Case Headed to U.S. Supreme Court
San Francisco, CA - June 5, 2012 – Today, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit denied a request from anti-marriage forces to reconsider its landmark ruling in Perry v. Brown that found California’s Proposition 8 unconstitutional. Proposition 8 stripped gay and lesbian Californians of the fundamental freedom to marry.
Back By Popular Demand - PFLAG is AOL's Cause of the Day AGAIN! TODAY June 5th!
No child should be worried that they will be physically or emotionally harassed or bullied in school. PFLAG has taken a stand and is making a difference in schools all over the country…and now you can help. Visit AOL’s Daily Impact today, where PFLAG is the featured Cause of the Day! Let’s cultivate respect, and make schools safe…for ALL children.
Military Family Lifestyle Survey Reveals Information on Military Family Attitudes Regarding Repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
Washington, D.C. — Today Blue Star Families announced information about the impact of the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” on military families. Blue Star Families annual survey of more than 4,000 military families revealed that a majority of military family respondents feel that the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” has had no impact on morale, national security, and the desire for service members to reinlist. The full survey report is available at http://bluestarfam.org/survey.
T-Shirts to Raise Funds for LGBT Rights
PHILADELPHIA (June 1, 2012) Socially Conscious Shirts today announced its partnership with Equality Pennsylvania to raise funds for Equality Pennsylvania's Educational Fund by selling LGBT-affirming T-Shirts. The shirts, created by Socially Conscious Shirts, read "Love is Love" and feature positive images of same-sex relationships.
Evan Wolfson to speak in Pittsburgh
In June, our founder and President Evan Wolfson will be speaking in Pittsburgh about the freedom to marry and what's next for the movement in Pennsylvania.
Federal Appeals Court Rules DOMA Section 3 Unconstitutional
Today, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit ruled unanimously that Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional with respect to claims brought by seven married same-sex couples and three widowers from Massachusetts. The ruling has been stayed pending a likely appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Eagle Scout Delivers 275,000 Petition Signatures Urging Boy Scouts to End Anti-Gay Discrimination
ORLANDO, FL May 30– Today, Eagle Scout Zach Wahls delivered more than 275,000 signatures to the National Annual Meeting of the Boy Scouts of America from a popular petition on Change.org, calling on the Boy Scouts to reinstate a lesbian den leader in Ohio who was removed from her position because of her sexual orientation, and to end their long-held policy barring openly gay scouts and scout leaders.
Gay and Lesbian Couples Seek Freedom to Marry in Illinois
CHICAGO – Seeking recognition for their shared love and commitment and protection for their families and loved ones, nine couples filed a lawsuit today to challenge the constitutionality of an Illinois law that denies gay and lesbian couples the freedom to marry.
ACLU of Florida Sues Marion County Superintendent for Refusing to Allow GSA to Meet at School
ORLANDO May 24– On behalf of two Vanguard High School students, the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Florida (ACLU) today filed a lawsuit against Superintendent Jim Yancey and the School Board for Marion County after the Superintendent unlawfully denied the students’ application to form a Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) in violation of the federal Equal Access Act and the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The lawsuit filed today on behalf of the students and their student group, Vanguard GSA, asks a court to “enjoin the school officials from refusing to recognize Vanguard GSA as a student club and allow it to function as a school club on par with other clubs at school.”
Penn Offers Benefits-tax Offset to Same-sex Couples
PHILADELPHIA –- Beginning July 1, the University of Pennsylvania will provide a tax offset of as much as $125 per month for employees who are covering same-sex domestic partners under their Penn medical plans, with a maximum of $1,500 per year. This offset will appear in employees’ paychecks as additional taxable income — minus applicable state and federal taxes — starting in late July.
Remarks from NAACP Press Conference on Resolution Supporting of Marriage Equality
(BALTIMORE, MD) – NAACP leaders including Chairman Roslyn M. Brock and President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous held a press conference today to discuss the decision by the National NAACP Board of Directors to support marriage equality. Their remarks are reproduced below:
Freedom to Work Launches Campaign Aimed at Exxon's Anti-LGBT Policies Ahead of Next Week’s Board Mtg
WASHINGTON, DC – Last night, Tico Almeida, president of Freedom to Work -- a national organization working to ban workplace discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Americans -- announced the launch of a new campaign and petition aimed at ExxonMobil's discriminatory policies against LGBT employees.
Campaign Marks Memorial Day with Petition Calling on Congress to End Marriage Discrimination Against Military Families
WASHINGTON – As Memorial Day approaches, Freedom to Marry and Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) launched a grassroots petition calling on Congress to end marriage discrimination against service members and veterans. The petition builds support for repealing the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and passing the Respect for Marriage Act, and is part of the new Freedom to Serve, Freedom to Marry national campaign highlighting the stories of military families harmed by DOMA.
Rep. Babette Josephs: Domestic partners should be exempt from state inheritance tax
HARRISBURG, May 23 – At a Capitol news conference today, state Rep. Babette Josephs, D-Phila., called on House Republicans to move her legislation that would add domestic partners to the list of people who are exempt from paying state inheritance taxes.
More Than 6,000 Demand Dictionary.com Correct Definition of Marriage
WASHINGTON, DC – More than 6,000 people have signed Mike Raven’s Change.org petition urging Dictionary.com to correct its definition of the word “marriage” to be more inclusive of gay and lesbian couples.
Statement from Equality Pennsylvania Opposing New Attempt to Defund Planned Parenthood
Harrisburg - Equality Pennsylvania supports Planned Parenthood, and opposes, in no uncertain terms, ideological attacks led by Rep. Daryl Metcalfe to defund the organization through malicious and ill-conceived legislation. Planned Parenthood provides vital services to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, including free and confidential STD/HIV testing and women's healthcare services. The LGBT community is served well by Planned Parenthood, and the services they provide are 100% LGBT-affirming.
Persad Center, Inc. and the Greater Erie Alliance for Equality Announce Town Hall
Two of Erie County’s newest support and advocacy organizations team up to sponsor an evening of information and conversation for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community.
LGBT for Obama meets May 29
On Tuesday May 29, there will be a meeting to learn about all the things President Obama has done for the LGBT community, and what the LGBT community can do to help the president. The meeting will be held at Obama campaign headquarters, 1305 State, Erie PA at 7PM. For more information contact Kat at (814)229-7640 [email protected]
GLAD Applauds Governor Chafee's Order Recognizing Marriages of Same-Sex Couples
May 14, 2012 - Today Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee (I) issued an executive order directing state agencies to recognize the marriages of the state’s same-sex couples, in compliance with established Rhode Island marriage recognition law. Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) commended the action and described the beneficial effects it will have on Rhode Island families.
Freedom to Marry Releases Video of Audra McDonald Hailing President Obama's Support for Marriage
NEW YORK May 14, 2012– Today Freedom to Marry released a video starring four-time Tony Award-winning singer and actress Audra McDonald, who recently received her 7th Tony Award nomination for her role in The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess, hailing the President’s announcement of support for the freedom to marry. McDonald explains the power of the President’s embrace of the freedom to marry, and reflects on last week’s passage of an anti-gay constitutional amendment in North Carolina aimed at banning marriage and any other legal respect for same-sex couples and their families.
Viral Petition Urges DNC to Support Gay Marriage in 2012 Party Platform
WASHINGTON, DC – A North Carolina mom’s breaking petition campaign on Change.org asking the Democratic National Committee to add gay marriage to its party platform has exploded, gaining more than 25,000 supporters since Wednesday.
Health
Start Asking Some Questions?
Why could an interrogative help your fitness? When could an interrogative help you with your health? Where could an interrogative help you with your wellness? What the #%@ is an interrogative? They are the pronouns that are often known as the five W’s in grammar. Who, what, when, where, and why are ready to get some answers from you about achieving your healthy state.
Cultivating A Sense Of Humor
Perhaps only God Herself is more important than humor. Seriously. Psychological research has found that when people list the qualities they desire in a partner, a good sense of humor consistently shows up near the top. For some of us, a good sense of humor is more important than physical appearance or socioeconomic status. Why? Perhaps life is so hard that a humorless partner is too much to bear. When the road gets rough, it’s great to have a partner you can laugh with at all the absurdities along the way.
The Healthiest Decision I Ever Made... Just Be Me!
"Homosexuality is destroying the fabric of our society! I don't hate gays and lesbians; I hate gayism and lesbianism!" The pastor's words grabbed my attention as I sat motionless in the large Baptist church in Northwest Indiana eight years ago. I was the guest of honor and was being feted for my recent primary election victory by 10,000 of my steadfast supporters. They all believed in me to be the next county commissioner and gave me their blessing. How could they all believe in me when they didn't even know who I was...and neither did I.
Entertainment and Travel
OUT Destination – Fort Lauderdale
Known as one of the country’s foremost LGBT capitals, Fort Lauderdale definitely offers visitors a plethora of dining, entertainment and cultural options, not to mention miles of pristine beaches perfect for those looking to catch some rays while listening to the mesmerizing sounds of the Atlantic.
Brian Kent Comes Out With Centaur
Brian Kent has scored several national and international hits on global Dance Club Play charts, including his recent hit, “Su-Su-Su-Superstar”, which is currently charting in the UK and across the globe. The music video, co-conceived and directed by celebrity fashion photographer, Mike Ruiz, was featured on “The A List New York” and continues to be an inspiration to being ones self.
RuPaul's Drag U/Tune-In - Mon. Jun. 18 @ 9 PM ET/PT
Television’s most fabulous makeover show is back…and totally revamped! The third season of “RuPaul’s Drag U” delivers more diva transformations, more drag queens and more surprises as biological women are treated not only to show-stopping makeovers, but also receive once-in-a-lifetime, real-world hair, makeup and fashion tips from the world’s greatest drag faculty.
Maui: The Gay Side of the Valley Isle
For the queer couple seeking a romantic haven, the island of Maui is waiting to welcome you with bright rainbow leis. From snorkeling to whale watching and lounging on a remote gay beach, Maui is paradise found. With a population of less than 150,000 people, the gay scene is much smaller on Maui than in Oahu but there’s a small, tight knit LGBT community and a lot of great activities geared toward the gay tourist.
IN THE LIFE Debuts Orgullo Latino, A Celebration of the LGBT Latino Experience
New York, June 1, 2012 – This month, the award-winning newsmagazine IN THE LIFE celebrates Latin pride with Orgullo Latino, a look at the complexity of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Latinos in the United States.
'Being In, Being OUT' Season Finale, June 14 @ Kelly-Strayhorn Theater
The Performance Troupe is excited to return for the third year in a row to Kelly-Strayhorn Theater to perform our season finale!
Out Destination - Nashville
Creative, diverse, friendly and welcoming are words often used to describe Nashville. It has long been a destination rich in culture, music and food and is quickly becoming one of the premier LGBT destinations in the country.
Cable Industry and GLAAD Honor Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month
(National Harbor, MD, May 21, 2012)— During the months of May and June, the nation’s leading cable companies, cable networks and GLAAD are joining together to pay tribute to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community in America by shining a spotlight on compelling, diverse programming.
In The Life Media Debuts My Two Moms with Zach Wahls
New York, May 13, 2012 – In The Life Media celebrated Mother’s Day with “My Two Moms,” a web short video featuring Zack Wahls, the son of lesbian moms whose passionate speech to the Iowa House of Representatives in support of marriage equality went viral on YouTube, capturing the attention of the country.
Double Your Fun with The Perry Twins
Doug and Derek Perry, better known to dance music lovers everywhere as The Perry Twins, are looking forward to the Memorial Day Weekend and the unofficial start to the summer season. “People are ready to shed their problems and shed their outer wear to show off their new bodies for swimsuit season both in and out of the clubs.” Since headlining last year’s Global Groove Tour sponsored by Centaur Entertainment and GuySpy.com, they have had a busy schedule with dj appearances across the country.
The Good and Evil of Gay Savannah
Savannah, Georgia is a charming gay oasis frozen in time. America’s first planned city boasts a thriving gay and lesbian scene and is a haven for the artistic and creative. Whether you’re looking to relocate or want a relaxing getaway, this historic city is a dream destination.
'RuPaul's Drag U' Season Announcement - Premiere Date, Professors and Guest Judges
NEW YORK, NY – May 14, 2012 – Television’s most fabulous makeover show is back…and totally revamped! The third season of “RuPaul’s Drag U” delivers more diva transformations, more drag queens and more surprises as biological women are treated not only to show-stopping makeovers, but also receive once-in-a-lifetime, real-world hair, makeup and fashion tips from the world’s greatest drag faculty. This season continues to deliver fan favorite drag queens, more iconic celebrity judges and life-changing stories as eight new, one-hour episodes premiere on Monday, June 18 at 98PM ET/PT on Logo.
San Francisco's DJ Grind is POPular
DJ GRIND (Stephen Massey) is one of the country’s most sought-after up-and-coming DJs. Last year, DJ GRIND burst onto the scene as the winner of the 2011 GayDays National DJ Contest, distinguishing himself from more than 200 of the country’s top DJs competing for this highly-coveted prize. Since that time, he’s booked some of the biggest gigs in the country – including White Party Palm Springs, GayDays, Winter Music Conference, SPLASH (New York), The Paramount (Provincetown), COBALT (Washington DC), Eleven Lounge (West Hollywood), and Ruby Skye (San Francisco), among others. He's also been a featured artist on RSVP Vacations Caribbean and Mediterranean cruises, and he supported Kylie Minogue's 2011 "Aphrodite" World Tour as an opening act.
'Scandalicious - New Series On Logo - Premieres May 25th at 8PM ET/PT
NEW YORK, NY, May 10, 2012 – Celebrating only the very best in celebrity rants, feuds and sexy scandals, Logo presents “Scandalicious,” a new four-part series uncovering the crème de la crème of headline-grabbing bad behavior and attention-grabbing physiques. Infused with comedic sass from the likes of Alec Mapa and Debra Wilson, the new series of one-hour specials kicks off with the premiere of “Scandalicious: 20 Shocking Celebrity Rants” on Friday, May 25th at 8PM ET/PT on Logo.
Letters, Columnists and Opinion
The Amazon Trail: Dyke Caves
My anger had nowhere to go. It was huge. The headline that enraged me? “50 chief executives in finance saw their pay rise by an average of 20.4 percent.” Huh?
Romney's faith isn't the problem
Does religion matter in the race for president? Seems like a simple question with a simple answer, doesn’t it? But this year it might not be, since the Republican candidate is a Mormon, and not only a Mormon, but a member of the Mormon clergy, a bishop (similar to a pastor in other religions) and a stake president, where he presided over several congregations.
Superheroic Gay Weddings are FABULOUS
Next month, Marvel comic's flagship gay superhero will be marrying his boyfriend Kyle in Astonishing X-Men, much to the irritation of the hate group, One Million Moms. This isn't the first gay wedding in American comic books. Wildstorm's long time gay lovers Apollo and Midnighter of the Authority married years ago. Earlier this year, Archie Comic's Kevin Keller married his boyfriend and the “forty thousand parents who aren't mature enough to have the sex talk with their children” were angry about that one too.
The Amazon Trail: Thank You, President Obama
My week was looking like a trailer park after a tornado until the announcement came that the President of the United States supported marriage equality, also known as civil rights for gays. The day before, North Carolina had fallen into the hands of the morality pirates.
'With Liberty and Justice for All': The Black Church & Same Sex Marriage
CLINTON, Md., May 11, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is a statement by Rev. Delman Coates, Ph.D., Senior Pastor, Mt. Ennon Baptist Church: As an African-American pastor and clergy leader, I am frequently asked how I have been able to support civil marriage protection for gay and lesbian couples. After listening to Christians debate their support of or their opposition to homosexuality, I came to the conclusion that one's personal religious beliefs should have no bearing in determining whether other American citizens deserve equal treatment under the law. For too long the question of equal rights for gays and lesbians has been mired in a theological debate that in my opinion is not suitable in a public policy discussion. The issue of civil marriage rights for gay and lesbian couples is an issue of public policy, not theology. The role of the State in a free democratic society is fundamentally different than the role of the Church, or any religious institution for that matter. The role of the State in a pluralistic society is to provide for the common good and to protect the civil liberties of all its citizens. As a Christian in this country, I value my religious freedom, but I also recognize that I cannot impose my religious beliefs on others in matters of public policy.
Contests
Win Dedicated by Wilson Phillips
Win Dedicated by Wilson Phillips. We are giving away 5 copies of this tribute CD. To enter the contest, fill out the form here June 22 through July 13.
Win Out Of The Game by Rufus Wainwright
Grammy-nominee and singer-songwriter RUFUS WAINWRIGHT and celebrated producer MARK RONSON present Out Of The Game, Wainwright's seventh studio album. Available May 1 from Decca Records. www.rufuswainwright.com To enter the contest, fill out the form here from June 19 through July 10.
Enter for a chance to win a Rock of Ages prize pack!
On June 15, moviegoers will be flocking to theaters when director Adam Shankman brings the smash hit stage musical Rock of Ages to the big screen! You can enter for a chance to win a Rock of Ages prize pack by filling out the form here from June 15 through July 6!
Win DJ Grind's CD Download - POPular 7
Erie Gay News is giving away 20 downloads of POPular 7! To enter, just fill out the form here between June 15 and July 6.
Win Little Broken Hearts by Norah Jones
Blue Note Records presents Little Broken Hearts, the stunning new album from multiple Grammy Award-winning singer NORAH JONES. Featuring 12 new tracks produced by Danger Mouse including the single "Happy Pills." Available everywhere May 1. www.norahjones.com To enter the contest, fill out the form here from June 12 through July 3.
Win The New 60 by Robert Levithan!
Win The New 60 by Robert Levithan. Erie Gay News is giving away 6 copies of this inspiring and uplifting book. To enter the contest, fill out the form here from June 8 through June 29.
Win Melody Gardot's The Absence!
Enter to win The Absence from Melody Gardot! Verve Records presents The Absence, the stunning new album from the extraordinary MELODY GARDOT featuring 12 original songs including “Amalia.” To enter the contest, fill out the form here between June 5 and June 26
Win This Is What Love In Action Looks Like from TLA Releasing
Enter to win This Is What Love In Action Looks Like from TLA Releasing! TLA Releasing presents the wildly controversial and inspirational documentary This Is What Love In Action Looks Like. A film by Morgan Jon Fox "A modern day message in a bottle." - NY Times. Available on DVD May 8. To enter the contest, fill out the form here from June 5 through June 26.
Win Ladyhawke's Anxiety!
Win Cooper's Promise by Timothy Jay Smith!
Win Cooper's Promise by Timothy Jay Smith. Erie Gay News is giving away a first edition of this thriller, signed by author Timothy Jay Smith. To enter the contest, fill out the form here from June 1 through June 22.
Win Gossip's A Joyful Noise!
Win eCupid from TLA Releasing
Win American Translation DVD!
TLA Releasing presents the intensely sexy and wildly controversial American Translation, a film by Pascal Arnold & Jean-Marc Barr. Erie Gay News is giving away DVDs to 5 lucky winners. To enter the contest, fill out the form here from May 25 through June 15.
Win Purple Rain: Music on Film by John Kenneth Muir from Limelight Editions
Win Purple Rain: Music on Film by John Kenneth Muir from Limelight Editions. Erie Gay News is giving away 3 copies of this book. To enter the contest, fill out the form here from May 22 through June 12
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