Box Turtle Bulletin
News and commentary about the anti-gay lobby“Now you must raise your children up in a world where that union of man and box turtle is on the same legal footing as man and wife…”
News and commentary about the anti-gay lobbyOctober 20th, 2008
On October 1 we reported that the student body government of American River College in Sacramento had endorsed Proposition 8. This triggered a recall effort from frustrated students.
We had noted that five of the supporters were part of the vehemently homophobic Slavic community in Sacramento. The Sacramento Bee provides addition information.
Three of the other student leaders up for recall are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
In June, church leaders urged Mormon followers to “do what they can” to support Proposition 8.
Student Association Vice President Blaze Jeppesen, who authored the measure, declined to talk to The Bee about what role, if any, his LDS faith played in his decision to bring the hot-button issue to campus.
Association President Jacob Johnson, who also is a Mormon, said since he was conducting the meetings, he remained impartial. He said he didn’t try to influence the council and didn’t vote on the issue.
But Johnson said his faith is important to him and he supports Proposition 8.
His sister Heather Johnson supported the campus resolution and is on the recall list.
October 20th, 2008
The editorial board of the North County Times (a newspaper with circulation of about 95,000 serving Northern San Diego County) has taken a libertarian stance on marriage:
We believe the California and federal governments should not be in the business of defining marriage, especially not in an era with societal views on sexual orientation in flux, and that government should leave the definition of marriage to individual faith communities to determine.
This would allow government to deal with all civil unions or domestic partnerships without regard to sexual identities or religious traditions, and allow equal rights for all.
Defining marriage is something we believe is best left to the individual and the faith communities.
Based on this position, they then say
Vote your consciences on Proposition 8.
Wait. What?
There is no neutral stance on Proposition 8 for those who favor libertarian ideals or seek to reduce governmental interference. This amendment would introduce beuorocratic intervention into the lives of individuals and their bodies of faith, inquiring as to the make-up of the couples, approving some and denying others.
If one truly believes that the State has no business defining marriage, one cannot in good conscience support an amendment that does just that.
North County Times joins the Modesto Bee as the second paper with a “vote your conscience” position.
October 20th, 2008
This is huge. The Arizona Republic is the state’s largest, most influential newspaper. It is also generally a conservative one. But in this morning’s edition, the editorial board of the Republic strongly urges that Arizona voters reject Prop 102. And they did so in surprisingly strong terms:
One of the best arguments against a proposed state constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage is this: Secretary of State Jan Brewer blocked ballot language that would have told voters that state law already prohibits such marriages.
If voters were clear on existing law, many might decide there’s no reason to adopt the amendment.
The Republic also doubts the sincerity of the “Yes” side’s claim that this is a “simple” amendment:
Refusing to recognize another state’s contracts brings up federal constitutional issues. What about other types of same-sex legal partnerships?
Lawyers could use up a lot of billable hours parsing the exact meaning of “union” and “marriage.”
Arizona must get beyond the acrimony fueled by the fight over Proposition 102.
…
Arizona could use strong advocates of marriage. They should spend their time and energy hunting for real ways to shore it up. Proposition 102 is a needless distraction. Voters should reject it.
The Republic joins these other Arizona newspapers in urging Arizona voters to reject Prop 102:
The fight isn’t over, nor is it won. We can defeat this so-called marriage amendment again, but only with your help. Our opponents are on track to raise more than ten million dollars, and if they win this time, they will most assuredly decide to go after California again in a couple of years. We need to send a message: when voters say no, they mean it. They’re not dumb.
Please give as generously as you can today.
October 20th, 2008
Christian Broadcasting Network’s Senior National Correspondent David Brody interviewed GOP vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin over the weekend for a segment scheduled to appear on Tuesday on the 700 Club. Here is what she had to say:
Brody: On Constitutional marriage amendment , are, are you for something like that?
Palin: I am, in my own, state, I have voted along with the vast majority of Alaskans who had the opportunity to vote to amend our Constitution defining marriage as between one man and one woman. I wish on a federal level that that’s where we would go because I don’t support gay marriage. I’m not going to be out there judging individuals, sitting in a seat of judgment telling what they can and can’t do, should and should not do, but I certainly can express my own opinion here and take actions that I believe would be best for traditional marriage and that’s casting my votes and speaking up for traditional marriage that, that instrument that it’s the foundation of our society is that strong family and that’s based on that traditional definition of marriage, so I do support that.
See also:
Joe Biden: “If I Lived In California, I’d Clearly Vote Against Prop 8”
October 19th, 2008
The Arizona Daily Star this morning urges its readers to vote no on Prop 102:
Proposition 102 is a divisive, discriminatory initiative that would threaten to erode the rights of same-sex couples if approved.
Arizona voters rejected a similar — though more far-reaching — proposition in 2006.
Furthermore, this proposition isn’t needed because state law already defines marriage as the union of one man and one woman. The state law has been challenged and upheld in court.
…
We see Proposition 102, fundamentally, as an attempt by conservatives to legislate morality. We urge a “no” vote on Proposition 102 and hope we don’t see a similar measure in 2010.
The Arizona Daily Star joins these newspapers in opposing Prop 102:
October 19th, 2008
The Yuma Sun recommends voting no on Prop 102:
For a shameful period of time in our nation, interracial marriage was forbidden. We now know that was abominably wrong. That illustrates, however, the dangerous path one treads when you allow the government to define “proper” marriage.
It is best to keep the government as far removed from marriage as possible, and we therefore cannot support Proposition 102, or the statutory limitation that currently exists.
The Sun joins these Arizona newspapers in opposing Prop 102:
October 19th, 2008
The video at top is the pro-Amendment 2 ad that has been unveiled for Florida. The video on the bottom is the pro-Prop 102 ad which has been running in Arizona for the past three weeks. Just for grins, click to play both of them at about the same time (as quickly in succession as you can at least) and see if you can spot the differences. There are a few, obviously reflecting the geographical and ethnic differences between the two states, but the similarities are startling.
[Hat tip: Tucson Observer blog]
October 18th, 2008
Not busy on Tuesday? Got an extra $25,000?
If so, run on over to Ron Burkle’s house for dinner. Melissa Etheridge will be singing, along with Mary J. Blige. You’ll get to chat up the celebs, expected to include Babs herself. It’s definitely A-List Hollywood.
Here’s hoping that Burkle’s party is full to overflowing and that guest have such a great time that they feel compelled to write a big check on top of the per-plate charge.
October 18th, 2008
A judge in Queens Friday sentenced John L. McGhee to 22 years to life for killing of 35-year-old Edgar Garzón (pictured) in 2001.
Shortly before 4 a.m., on Aug. 15, 2001, Edgar was walking home after leaving a gay bar in Jackson Heights when McGhee jumped out of a car and savagely attacked him with a baseball bat or a lead pipe. Garzón’s skull was crushed. He died on September 4, 2001 in Elmhurst Hospital Center. He never regained consciousness.
According to police, at least two men were present at the assault who drove away in a red car. One of them, Christopher Ricalde, 14 at the time, came forward in 2003 and identified McGhee as the assailant. Ricalde was the sole eyewitness to the attack to come forward.
McGhee fled to England in December 2001, where police tracked him down in 2003. Britain sent him back to the U.S. in June 2006 after determining that he lied on a visa application. New York City police met his flight from England and arrested him.
McGhee’s 2007 trial ended in a mistrial.
Edgar’s mother spoke during the sentencing:
“There is a deep wound in our hearts that will never heal,” said Leonor Garzon, Edgar’s mother, at the October 17 sentencing. “As you see Mr. McGhee, you have taken us from living a good life… Today, our companions are sadness and loneliness.”
Leonor spoke through a translator with her husband, Armando, standing by her side. Calling the 2001 attack a “brutal and cruel injustice,” Leonor said McGhee, 40, attacked her son “from behind without giving him the opportunity or space to defend himself.”
Edgar Garzón was born in Bogotá, and moved to New York at 16 and became a U.S. citizen. He made his living designing sets for local theater groups.
October 18th, 2008
A number of newspapers in Florida are now coming out in opposition to Amendment 2, Florida’s so-called “marriage amendment” to the state constitution. A few of those papers are:
Readers are encouraged to provide more links to Florida newspaper endorsements against Amendment 2 in the comments.
Update: Add to that the Lakeland Ledger.
Update: Here are some more, thanks to our commenters:
October 18th, 2008
A group of about fifty Mormons presented stacks about 300 letters and a petition to officials of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints yesterday opposing the church’s efforts in support of Proposition 8 in California.
The letters were bundled in fifteen stacks and wrapped in pink ribbons, to be split among the Mormon Church’s three-man First Presidency and twelve apostles. The group sang the Mormon hymn “As I Have Loved You, Love One Another” during the event.
The protesters also deposited several manila envelopes containing signatures on the petition. It asks the LDS Church to stop “political organizing efforts and financial support of attempts to use the government to restrict the secular and religious rights of gay and lesbian individuals and publicly retract their request that members of the LDS Church support such measures.” The group also delivered bunches of carnations representing people they say have lost their lives in the gay marriage debate. They were referring to suicides by gay Mormons.
“We urge LDS leaders to read these letters and listen to their words,” said Andrew D. Callahan, an LDS high priest in Nebraska, who organized an Internet petition drive for Mormons who oppose the amendment known as Proposition 8.
Callahan, you may recall, faces a disciplinary hearing for charges of “conduct unbecoming a member of the church and … apostasy.” That hearing was originally scheduled for September, but has been put off until after the elections. Callahan runs the web site Signing For Something, which features several statements from fellow Mormons opposing the church’s efforts on behalf of so-called “marriage amendments” in California and Arizona.
October 17th, 2008
Chad Hardy, the Las Vegas man who was excommunicated from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints because of his role as creator of a the calendar that featured shirtless Mormon missionaries, has now had his diploma yanked by Mormon-owned Brigham Young University.
Chad Hady had completed his last four units for graduation in June, and he participated in graduation ceremonies on August 15. Now BYU is reneging:
A letter from BYU’s director of student academic and advisement services says Hardy’s graduation application is on “hold” and that he can reapply if he is “reinstated as a member of the church in good standing.”
I find it incredible that a major accredited university could withhold a diploma over church membership. How is this possible?
October 17th, 2008
CBS5 has a new SurveyUSA poll out today and it is not much different from the one released on October 6th.
The poll of 615 likely voters released Friday found that 48 percent favored Proposition 8, while 45 percent planned to vote against the measure. Seven percent said they were not yet certain.
The poll has a four percent margin of sampling error.
The last poll found that 47 percent in favor and 42 percent opposed. It is difficult to draw any conclusions from this new poll or to show any shift in the electorate.
As I said on the 6th, I don’t put much trust in the SurveyUSA polling methodology. And in reviewing the breakout, some things seem illogical. For example, voters age 50-64 are more likely to vote “no” than voters 18-34 or 35-49. This seems inconsistent with what socialogists have noted in trends of acceptance.
Additionally, this poll finds Asian-American voters opposing Prop 8 by 48% to 42%, while a recent survey of Asian-American voting intentions found opposition to be 57% to 32%.
However, this poll should inspire us to greater efforts.
October 17th, 2008
Ellen DeGeneres has been using her popular daytime talk show to get out the message that same-sex marriage is life-changing and beautiful. She has also recorded a 30 second message to spread the word, a message that was viewed 80,000 times.
Now the Sacramento Bee is reporting that she cares so much about getting out her message that she’s funding the airing of the ad.
Eddie Fernandez of the No on 8 campaign said DeGeneres is starting by purchasing $100,000 in air time for the ad.
This appeal, made and paid for by someone that listeners may feel that they know and love, may make this proposition personal for some viewers. I commend Ellen on her efforts and generosity.
This commentary is the opinion of the author and may not necessarily reflect the views of other authors at Box Turtle Bulletin.
October 17th, 2008
In the world of anti-gay activism, there are those who will say or do anything to advance their anti-gay agenda. Integrity has long since been discarded and honesty always take a back seat to insinuation, innuendo, and sometimes blatant lies.
Take, for example, a recent outing by first graders to celebrate the marriage of their teacher to her wife. The bare facts, as reported by the San Francisco Chronicle, are these:
This story has delighted the anti-gay industry. Writers have distorted the story and passed it on for others to take it even further from the truth.
OneNewNow falsely states:
For the school-sponsored trip, 18 first-graders — ages 5 and 6 — were taken to San Francisco City Hall to witness the wedding of their teacher and her lesbian partner.
Yes on 8’s Chip White told CNSNews:
“The other side claims that we’re lying (when we say) that same-sex marriage will be taught in schools. This field trip shows not only will same-sex marriage be taught in schools, but it already is being taught in schools,” he said.
Concerned Women for America’s Leslie Smith claimed
Conservative and liberal critics alike are decrying the use of taxpayer money to bus the students to the ceremony under the auspices of “education.”
CWA’s Wendy Wright went beyond getting the facts wrong and blatantly lied when she said
And it didn’t take long for activists to go straight to children to advance their agenda, as if other people’s children are merely pawns.
Consistent through out the repeating and retelling of this story is a need on the part of anti-gays to create a situation that did not occur. Their desire to win an election has vastly overpowered any instinct towards telling the truth.
But there are some individuals with whom I sharply disagree but who also try to keep their claims this side of fraudulent. They may take positions that I find contrary to both Christian principle and American philosophy, but their words are not generally dishonest – or at least not blatantly so.
One such person is Albert Mohler, the president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.
Mohler has also reviewed the story about the San Francisco children and found it disturbing. But Mohler’s distress is not based in bogus taxpayer bus expenses or in the pretense that the will of parents was disregarded. He does not rant about “exposed to the ceremony” or other misstatements of fact. Dr. Mohler has a broader concern.
Human society is a complex reality, but certain constants have framed that reality for human beings. One of those constants has been the institution of marriage. The respected status of the heterosexual pairing, set apart for exclusive rights and respected for its functions for the society, is among the most important of those constants. Even where deviations from this pattern occur, they are of interest merely for the fact that they are deviations from this norm.
The legalization and normalization of same-sex marriage undermine that constant. What had been a clear picture now becomes confusing. Marriage had been universally understood to be heterosexual. Now, it is something else. The picture is further confused by alienating the heterosexual breeding and parenting function from marriage. Not only does marriage appear now to be what it never was before, the essential functions of marriage are up for grabs.
The pictures in the mind change.
What Dr. Mohler rightly notes is that this battle is not truly over first grade field trips. It isn’t really over parental rights or churches being sued.
What the battle over the legal recognition of same-sex marriage is about is the cultural recognition of same-sex unions as part of the definition of marriage. It’s a reflection of a society that no longer views gay persons as objectionable or inferior and which no longer gives preference and privilege to the institution of heterosexuality.
Those of us who favor equality emphatically state that the State cannot treat citizens dissimilarity. And that marriage is a civil right which cannot be eliminated to meet the demands of some churches’ doctrines.
But although Mohler is talking about Proposition 8 and encouraging its passage, that isn’t really at the heart of his complaint. It isn’t so much that a state has allowed marriage as it is that a society has rejected his moral argument.
The battle over Proposition 8 is a struggle over some of the most fundamental principles of life, society, and meaning. In the eyes of same-sex marriage advocates the battle is for equality, dignity, and respect for homosexual relationships. In the eyes of same-sex marriage opponents, the battle is for the preservation of an institution essential for human happiness and thriving.
Both sides in this debate understand that issues right at the core of human dignity are at stake. Each side understands that the decision on this question will shape the future of our civilization.
And though Mohler writes his piece to rally the troops, I think he knows that even if he wins the battle that is this proposition, he has lost the war. Mohler knows that his church, and many others, have for years appealed to the people. They have preached sermons. They have staged rallies. They have knocked on doors and done good works and even reverted to cries of hellfire and damnation.
And society has listened to their “good news” and found it neither good nor news. Their appeal to tradition and a literal interpretation of Genesis, their insistence on sexual rules that seem to be based on nebulous morality rather than on pragmatic approaches to pregnancy, disease, and emotional health, their conflation of religion and partisan politics, and their efforts to control those around them have caused conservative evangelical Christians to become viewed with hostility and distrust.
If their brand of Christianity is to be relevant to the world around it, they need to find a message that most will find to be helpful and useful to their lives. Because today’s youth have access to more information and shared experiences than ever before, appeals to ignorance or baseless dogma will doom a church for future generations.
Insistence on anti-gay dogmatism in a culture that is coming to value and respect their gay neighbors may alienate an entire generation. And I find within Mohler’s writing a suggestion that he may on some level recognize that Southern Baptists run the risk that it may be too late.
As he noted:
It turns out that parents had the right to use an “opt out” provision to keep their children at the school, and not at the ceremony at City Hall. According to the paper, two families did just that. Two. Eighteen students participated in the field trip. This, you must understand, is the new normal.
Featured Reports
In this original BTB Investigation, we unveil the tragic story of Kirk Murphy, a four-year-old boy who was treated for “cross-gender disturbance” in 1970 by a young grad student by the name of George Rekers. This story is a stark reminder that there are severe and damaging consequences when therapists try to ensure that boys will be boys.
When we first reported on three American anti-gay activists traveling to Kampala for a three-day conference, we had no idea that it would be the first report of a long string of events leading to a proposal to institute the death penalty for LGBT people. But that is exactly what happened. In this report, we review our collection of more than 500 posts to tell the story of one nation’s embrace of hatred toward gay people. This report will be updated continuously as events continue to unfold. Check here for the latest updates.
In 2005, the Southern Poverty Law Center wrote that “[Paul] Cameron’s ‘science’ echoes Nazi Germany.” What the SPLC didn”t know was Cameron doesn’t just “echo” Nazi Germany. He quoted extensively from one of the Final Solution’s architects. This puts his fascination with quarantines, mandatory tattoos, and extermination being a “plausible idea” in a whole new and deeply disturbing light.
On February 10, I attended an all-day “Love Won Out” ex-gay conference in Phoenix, put on by Focus on the Family and Exodus International. In this series of reports, I talk about what I learned there: the people who go to these conferences, the things that they hear, and what this all means for them, their families and for the rest of us.
Prologue: Why I Went To “Love Won Out”
Part 1: What’s Love Got To Do With It?
Part 2: Parents Struggle With “No Exceptions”
Part 3: A Whole New Dialect
Part 4: It Depends On How The Meaning of the Word "Change" Changes
Part 5: A Candid Explanation For "Change"
At last, the truth can now be told.
Using the same research methods employed by most anti-gay political pressure groups, we examine the statistics and the case studies that dispel many of the myths about heterosexuality. Download your copy today!
And don‘t miss our companion report, How To Write An Anti-Gay Tract In Fifteen Easy Steps.
Anti-gay activists often charge that gay men and women pose a threat to children. In this report, we explore the supposed connection between homosexuality and child sexual abuse, the conclusions reached by the most knowledgeable professionals in the field, and how anti-gay activists continue to ignore their findings. This has tremendous consequences, not just for gay men and women, but more importantly for the safety of all our children.
Anti-gay activists often cite the “Dutch Study” to claim that gay unions last only about 1½ years and that the these men have an average of eight additional partners per year outside of their steady relationship. In this report, we will take you step by step into the study to see whether the claims are true.
Tony Perkins’ Family Research Council submitted an Amicus Brief to the Maryland Court of Appeals as that court prepared to consider the issue of gay marriage. We examine just one small section of that brief to reveal the junk science and fraudulent claims of the Family “Research” Council.
The FBI’s annual Hate Crime Statistics aren’t as complete as they ought to be, and their report for 2004 was no exception. In fact, their most recent report has quite a few glaring holes. Holes big enough for Daniel Fetty to fall through.
“Google” is a trademark of Google Inc.
© Box Turtle Bulletin. All Rights Reserved.
Posts 
Posts via daily email: