By Blogger Ben Harris, intern for LGBT Progress. Yesterday, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee passed legislation that extends health insurance and other benefits to the same-sex partners of federal employees. Senators Joe Lieberman (I-CT) and Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced the bill, called the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligation Act, which if passed [...]
CDC Launches A New, Graphic Antismoking Ad Campaign
by Wesley on March 17, 2012
Federal health officials are launching a new graphic antismoking ad campaign in an effort to persuade more adults to quit smoking. The “Tips from Former Smokers” campaign, which was spearheaded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) along with the Obama administration, looks at “the harsh reality of illness and damage suffered as [...]
Iowa School Accidentally Invites Anti-Gay Hate Group For Assembly
by Wesley on March 9, 2012
(Think Progress) – Dunkerton High School in Iowa thought it was providing students with a positive message about provocative lyrics in music, but the You Can Run But You Cannot Hide Ministry used its invitation yesterday to promote anti-gay and anti-choice messages with the students. Superintendent Jim Stanton then called a second assembly to apologize [...]
Maine Diocese Establishes Gays Shouldn’t Have Sex Ministry
by Wesley on February 5, 2012
The Catholic Church’s “Courage” ministry — which treats homosexuality as an addiction to be cured through 12 steps — continues to expand in New England. Following the establishment of the program in Connecticut last month, the diocese of Portland, Maine, has announced it too will offer the pro-chastity service. Sue Bernard, a spokesperson for the diocese, described [...]
Washington’s Anti-Gay Pastor To Marriage Supporters: You Think ‘You Know Better Than God’
by Wesley on January 24, 2012
Ken Hutcherson, Washington’s leading anti-gay pastor, ranted against same-sex marriage in his testimony before the Senate Government Operations Committee this morning, arguing that by approving marriage equality, lawmakers would have to assume that they “know better than God”: HUTCHERSON: I think that you are saying, as a committee and as a legislature that you know [...]
Dem From Conservative District Backs Marriage Equality, Washington Now Has Enough Votes To Pass Bill
by Wesley on January 24, 2012
There are now enough votes to pass marriage equality in Washington state, the Associated Press is reporting. Earlier this afternoon, State Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen (D) pledged to support the legislation, “providing the deciding vote in the Senate to legalize gay marriage in Washington state.” From her statement: “I know this announcement makes me the so-called [...]
Nullificationist, Anti-Gay Virginia Lawmaker Now Wants To Arm College Professors
by Wesley on January 17, 2012
Del. Bob Marshall (R-VA) THINK PROGRESS – By Ian Millhiser – Virginia Del. Bob Marshall (R) is easily one of the worst lawmakers in America. He is an arch-nullificationist, who has sponsored multiple unconstitutional bills trying to keep federal laws he disagrees with from applying in Virginia. He once claimed that children with disabilities are [...]
Colorado Gov. Hickenlooper: ‘It’s Time To Pass Civil Unions’
by Wesley on January 16, 2012
THINK PROGRESS – By Zack Ford In his State of the State address today, Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper (D) urged lawmakers to pass civil unions legislation: HICKENLOOPER: As we strive to make Colorado healthier, we believe in equal rights for all regardless of race, creed, gender or sexual orientation. We don’t believe we should legislate what [...]
Tennessee Bathroom Bill Sponsor: ‘I Would Stomp A Mudhole’ In A Transgender Person
by Wesley on January 15, 2012
THINK PROGRESS – By Zack Ford Image – Tennessee state Rep. Richard Floyd (R) Much has unfolded in the day since the “Bathroom Harassment Act” was first introduced in the Tennessee legislature, a bill that would fine transgender people $50 for using bathrooms and dressing rooms. Floyd stands alone as the sponsor of the bill [...]
Romney Touts Anti-Abortion, Anti-Gay Positions In South Carolina Radio Ad
by Wesley on January 14, 2012
THINK PROGRESS – By Igor Volsky Mitt Romney is responding to the attacks on his inconsistant opposition to abortion with a new radio ad touting his support among “Christian Conservatives.” The radio spot, slated to run in South Carolina, describes the former Massachusetts governor — who supported a woman’s right to choose until 2005 — [...]