Category: RELIGION

Censorship of Gay PSA on Jamaican TV Goes to Supreme Court

May 26, 2013

By Cathy Kristofferson, May 26, 2013 In October of 2012, two major television stations in Jamaica refused to run paid Public Service Announcements (PSA) asking Jamaicans to love and respect their fellow citizens who happen to be homosexuals.  Maurice Tomlinson, the legal advisor for AIDS-Free World, who appears in the PSA’s decided to take the stations to court for … More Censorship of Gay PSA on Jamaican TV Goes to Supreme Court

Moscow Gay Rights Rally ends in violence and arrests

May 25, 2013

By Cathy Kristofferson, May 25, 2013 Update May 26  – Video add down below We reported earlier here on OBLOGDEE about Ukraine’s 1st ever Gay Pride March happily occurring despite multiple political attempts to derail it.  The folks in Moscow were not so lucky. Today in the Russian capital of Moscow, activists and opponents clashed in an unsanctioned … More Moscow Gay Rights Rally ends in violence and arrests

Ukraine holds their 1st Gay Pride March after all

May 25, 2013

Using diversion tactics to make it happen By Cathy Kristofferson, May 25, 2013 Yesterday we reported here on OBLOGDEE the week long saga of KyivPride-2013, Ukraine’s LGBT Pride Organization, attempts to hold their 1st Gay Pride March today.  After members of Parliament signed a petition against the, followed by Kiev city authorities filing a suit to ban them, … More Ukraine holds their 1st Gay Pride March after all

Ukraine Forced to Change Gay Pride March to Private Event

May 24, 2013

LGBT community of Ukraine still trying for their 1st Gay Pride Parade… 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 … More Ukraine Forced to Change Gay Pride March to Private Event

Violence and homophobia at IDAHOT rally results in two priest arrests

May 23, 2013

By Cathy Kristofferson, May 23, 2013 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 … More Violence and homophobia at IDAHOT rally results in two priest arrests

Boy Scouts resolution for vote tomorrow only perpetuates homophobia

May 22, 2013

No youth may be denied membership, but what about the adults… 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 … More Boy Scouts resolution for vote tomorrow only perpetuates homophobia

Poor Scott Lively bullied and intimidated by homo-fascists

May 21, 2013

Homo-Fascism vs. the First Amendment… 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 … More Poor Scott Lively bullied and intimidated by homo-fascists

First Pride ever in Moldova | Huge Scott Lively Fail

May 19, 2013

On 19 May, the first Pride March was held in Chisinau, Moldova. By Cathy Kristofferson, May 19, 2013 I just saw this on twitter and cheered out loud: First Pride March held in Moldova http://t.co/NGwq6Bepbr%5B@Eastbook_en%5D EurAlmanac16:15 I cheered not only because I was thrilled for the Moldovan LGBT community, but also for the bitter defeat … More First Pride ever in Moldova | Huge Scott Lively Fail

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

May 19, 2013

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. In 2010 when Rev de Lange announced to her congregation that she was going to marry her same-sex partner, her … More Cape High Court to hear case by Lesbian Reverend against Methodist Church

Bigots stalk, video and harass at Boston Youth Pride

May 18, 2013

By Cathy Kristofferson, May 18, 2013 I started this piece months ago when there was risk of the delegates from Uganda being exposed at the Scott Lively trial in Springfield MA by those who have the vile habit of exposing members of the gay community in some misguided attempt of shaming them…  ‘straight’ I suppose.  I … More Bigots stalk, video and harass at Boston Youth Pride

Rev. Canon Albert Ogle gives three amazing reasons to celebrate IDAHOT

May 17, 2013

By  Rev. Canon Albert Ogle – SDGLN Contributor As 100 countries celebrate IDAHOT today, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon is calling for greater education to reduce the stigma and discrimination experienced by almost 50 million people living in countries (from a total 1.5 billion) where it is still illegal to be LGBT. In his … More Rev. Canon Albert Ogle gives three amazing reasons to celebrate IDAHOT

Belize: Final thoughts from the Caleb Orozco v. The Attorney General Case

May 14, 2013

By Cathy Kristofferson, May 14, 2013 The dust has now settled a bit in Belize after last week’s whirlwind 4 day trial of the Caleb Orozco v. The Attorney General.  The case challenged the constitutionality of Section 53, a law inherited from the colonial legal system, that criminalizes same gender sexual conduct in Belize. The case brought … More Belize: Final thoughts from the Caleb Orozco v. The Attorney General Case

Minnesota brings marriage equality to an even dozen U.S. States

May 14, 2013

By Cathy Kristofferson, May 14, 2013. Yesterday the Minnesota Senate voted 37 to 30 to approve marriage equality.  Their vote followed last Thursday’s 75 to 59 vote in favor in the Minnesota State House.  Today Governor Mark Dayton will sign the bill into law at 5 p.m. CT with the bill going into effect on August 1st. … More Minnesota brings marriage equality to an even dozen U.S. States

Lesbian Couple beaten by straight women at Ethiopian nightclub

May 12, 2013

Gay hate on the rise in Africa attributed to Western Evangelicals and a New push to “Kill the Gays” By Melanie Nathan, May 12, 2013. After Uganda, we predicted it would spread. It seems that the Western Evangelicals have found their way into Ethiopia and are repeating the actions that are causing such strong anti-gay … More Lesbian Couple beaten by straight women at Ethiopian nightclub

Belize anti-sodomy penal code trial wraps-up its final day

May 10, 2013

By Cathy Kristofferson, May 10, 2013 Court opened for the fourth day in the Caleb Orozco v. The Attorney General of Belize trial challenging the constitutionality of the Section 53 anti-sodomy penal code trial.  The Churches continued their claim that social issues such as public morality and health do not belong before the court.  Once again … More Belize anti-sodomy penal code trial wraps-up its final day

Defiant Zambian Home Affairs Minister Compares Gays to Dogs

May 10, 2013

By Melanie Nathan, May 10, 2013. Responding to Amnesty International’s call for the release of two young Zambian men detained in deplorable conditions, accused of sodomy as being “against the order of nature,” and for being a gay couple, the Zambian Home Affairs Deputy Minister, Nixson Chilangwa, has defiantly indicated that Zambia will not abide … More Defiant Zambian Home Affairs Minister Compares Gays to Dogs

Belize Attorney General argues to maintain anti-sodomy penal code

May 9, 2013

By Cathy Kristofferson, May 09, 2013 Day Three of the Caleb Orozco v. The Attorney General of Belize trial challenging the constitutionality of the Section 53 anti-sodomy penal code started with chatter in the courtroom about the Claimant Caleb Orosco’s home being vandalized: This came on top of new reports last night on Belize Channel 5 … More Belize Attorney General argues to maintain anti-sodomy penal code

Around the World | Eleven Most Notable Marriage Equality Moments

May 9, 2013

By Melanie Nathan, May 09, 2013. A snapshot – from around the world – and there is so much more! 1. MOST HILARIOUS – a must watch NZ MP’s hilarious gay marriage speech 2. MOST MOVING A Love Song New Zealand 3.Uruguay – can you believe it? 4. France – despite major protests and the … More Around the World | Eleven Most Notable Marriage Equality Moments

Belize Court hears Closing argument in Penal code anti-Sodomy case

May 8, 2013

By Cathy Kristofferson, May 08, 2013. Today, on Day Two of  Caleb Orozco and the United Belize Advocacy Movement’s (UBIBAM) constitutional challenge of Belize’s Section 53 anti-sodomy law, lead attorney Christopher Smith‐Hamel SC,  made his closing arguments.  During his closing,  he quoted Bishop Desmond Tutu,  the Anglican humanitarian leader from South Africa: “’Our lesbian and gay brothers and sisters … More Belize Court hears Closing argument in Penal code anti-Sodomy case

Opening Arguments in Belize Urge Supreme Court to Uphold the Constitution

May 7, 2013

By Cathy Kristofferson, May 07, 2013 Today began the four day constitutionality challenge trial of Belize’s Section 53 anti-sodomy law in their Supreme Court.  I have been watching the #UNIBAM twitter feed all afternoon (Belize = CST) for wonderful live-tweeting from Asa DeMatteo and now have been emailed (thank you!) the Press Release for Day One. … More Opening Arguments in Belize Urge Supreme Court to Uphold the Constitution

Re-introduction of the Every Child Deserves a Family Act

May 6, 2013

By Cathy Kristofferson, May 07, 2013. Tomorrow, the Every Child Deserves a Family Act (ECDF) will be re-introduced in Congress.  The Act would ban discrimination in adoption or foster care placement based on the marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity of the potential parent, or the sexual orientation or gender identity of the child. … More Re-introduction of the Every Child Deserves a Family Act

Tiny violins for Newt and the oppression of his new-found Catholicism

May 5, 2013

By Cathy Kristofferson, May 05, 2013. First off – Happy Cinco de Mayo! I saw a headline just now – “Gingrich: LGBT rights fight ‘one sided’ because Catholics are oppressed too”.  Oh, really.  Wonder what in Heaven’s name Newt is whining about now? Then I saw this quote: “But what I’m struck with is the … More Tiny violins for Newt and the oppression of his new-found Catholicism

Belize Government and Christian right fight Supreme Court Challenge to decriminalize homosexuality

May 5, 2013

Getting rid of the old British Colonial penal code criminalizing homosexuality in Central America… By Cathy Kristofferson,  May 05, 2013 The nation of Belize, bordered by Mexico and Guatemala, is the last country in Central America where homosexual acts are still illegal and punishable by long prison terms.  But that could change for Belize and set … More Belize Government and Christian right fight Supreme Court Challenge to decriminalize homosexuality

The Special Rights Battleground of ENDA and Immigration Reform

May 2, 2013

Seems to be exactly where the Religious Right is digging in these days. By Cathy Kristofferson, May 02, 2013. Two legislative initiatives now underway on Capital Hill greatly underscore the fact that it is the Religious Right who is seeking ‘special rights’ not the LGBT community, as we are so often accused.  The Comprehensive Immigration … More The Special Rights Battleground of ENDA and Immigration Reform

Join me for a screening of God Loves Uganda in San Francisco

May 2, 2013

By Melanie Nathan, May 02, 2013. American Jewish World Service is hosting an event here in San Francisco and I am asking my readers to come and join me in supporting it. And it is free! They will be featuring the documentary film, God Loves Uganda, on Wednesday May 22nd at SFJAZZ Center! See the … More Join me for a screening of God Loves Uganda in San Francisco

Janet Porter’s Heather Has 2 Cigarettes Banned by YouTube for Hate Speech

May 2, 2013

Lesbian Mom and LGBT Advocate Melanie Nathan Responds By Melanie Nathan, May 02, 2013. Imagine my disgust when I saw the video below. It felt abusive and its horrendous attempt at parody sickened me, as a lesbian mom. Janet Porter and her clan are touting that gay relationships are 3 times more dangerous than smoking … More Janet Porter’s Heather Has 2 Cigarettes Banned by YouTube for Hate Speech

Ex-Gay extremists try to defend their exploits by distancing their quackery from murderered teen

May 1, 2013

Andre Bekker, Richard Cohen and Christopher Doyle | While their modus operandi may be different to accused murderer de Koker, their ideology stinks the same stink! By Melanie Nathan, May 01, 2013. A South African, Andre Bekker, who proclaims to be an  ex-gay and an authority on converting gays,  teamed up with tired extremists in … More Ex-Gay extremists try to defend their exploits by distancing their quackery from murderered teen

Oh no not another anti-gay pastor hosted by President Obama

April 30, 2013

National Day of Prayer to be headed by pastor who thinks marriage equality is a Satanic ploy… By Cathy Kristofferson, April 30, 2013 President Obama just,  just!, held a press conference where he remarked that “the LGBT community deserves full equality, not just partial equality, not just tolerance, but a recognition that they’re fully a … More Oh no not another anti-gay pastor hosted by President Obama

Anti-gay Video stoops comparing gays to adulterers to raise money for documentary

April 30, 2013

Lying to fund raise – how low can you go Janet Porter? By Melanie Nathan, April 30, 2013. Watch this video by Faith 2 Action – one of the anti-gay groups at war with the idea of equality.  In their desperate cling to bigoted ideology and a lost battle, they try and raise money for … More Anti-gay Video stoops comparing gays to adulterers to raise money for documentary