Box Turtle Bulletin

Suspected Gay Bashing Victim Dies

Tony Randolph Hunter, 27, of Clinton, Md., was pronounced dead at Howard University Hospital at 4:14 p.m. Wednesday. Tony died 10 days after police found him unconscious near Eighth and N Streets N.W., near a Washington, D.C. gay bar called BeBar.

According to police, the incident began when Tony and a friend, Trevor Carter, parked their car and were approached by four men. After one of the men asked, “What’s up?” the men began punching Tony and Trevor to the ground. Trever was able to flee the scene, and thought that Tony had done so as well, but Tony had already been knocked unconscious by the attackers. Police arrived at the scene after receiving a call about an unconscious person lying in the street.

Police are looking for four black males between the ages of 19 and 22. It is unknown at this time whether this is a hate crime. Police are investigating that possibility due to the location of the assault near the bar.

Field Poll: Prop 8 Support Declining

A new Field Poll indicates that Proposition 8 is losing support among likely voters. (Press-Enterprise)

A Field Poll survey released today found that 38 percent of likely voters support Prop. 8. In July, 42 percent of those surveyed backed the measure.

Fifty-five percent of likely voters oppose Prop. 8, an increase from 51 percent who opposed it in July. The percentage of undecided voters remains at 7 percent.

This should not, however, cause us to lose concern or focus. The Yes on 8 campaign has a huge war-chest and will likely begin running advertisement at the end of this month. We need to fight every step of the way and sacrifice whatever we can to keep our hard-earned equality.

One-Third of “Yes for Prop 102” Contributions Come from Mesa, Arizona

That’s right. As an update to our earlier report, further analysis of the contributors of at least $10,000 to the “yes” campain for Arizona’s Prop 102 shows that 70 out of 190 — more than a third — come from Mesa, Arizona. This includes three of the four $100,000 individual contributions.

Mesa just happens to be the home of Arizona’s oldest LDS temple.

Mormons and California’s Prop 8

We noted that a significant percentage of the supporters of Arizona’s Prop 102 are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (the Mormons).

Well, according to an article in the Salt Lake Tribune, that is also the case with California’s anti-marriage proposition.

The Web site, Mormonsfor8.com, tracks contributions to ProtectMarriage.com daily and tries to determine whether donors are LDS by scouring the Internet and asking visitors to the site to help identify any Mormon donors.

So far, the Web site has determined that about a third of ProtectMarriage.com’s donors are LDS, with their contributions totaling close to $5 million.

“If we could identify every Mormon, I think that probably 85 to 90 percent of the donors would be Mormon,” said Cedar City resident Nadine Hansen, creator of Mormonsfor8.com. A member of the church herself and a former Californian, she considers the site to be informational and neutral on the issue of Prop. 8.

Hansen may think that it is a selling point that Mormons are bankrolling Prop 8. But I believe that anti-Mormon sentiment in California is strong – especially among those inclined to support the amendment – and tying the campaign too closely to the church could result in a strong rejection of the proposition by the voters.

Brad Pitt Gives to Fight Proposition 8

Back in September 2006, Brad Pitt announced that he and Angelina Jolie would not marry because gay people could not marry:

Angie and I will consider tying the knot when everyone else in the country who wants to be married is legally able

Some might have thought that was just a convenient way of supporting a cause while avoiding pressures to marry. But now Pitt has put his money where his mouth is. The LA Times is reporting that he has given $100,000 to the No on 8 campaign.

Because no one has the right to deny another their life, even though they disagree with it, because everyone has the right to live the life they so desire if it doesn’t harm another and because discrimination has no place in America, my vote will be for equality and against Proposition 8

NY Senate Leader Speaks at Log Cabin Fundraiser

Dean G. Skelos, the NY State Senate majority leader, attended a Log Cabin fundraiser in effort to broaden his party’s appeal for the fall elections. Although he reiterated his opposition to same-sex marriage, he indicated that he would be more supportive of gay issues than had been his predecessor. (NY Times)

Mr. Skelos, of Long Island, said he would take up and pass legislation aimed at preventing bullying of gay and lesbian students in schools. The predominantly Democratic Assembly has passed such legislation for several years, but it has long been stalled in the Senate. This month, New York City put similar rules in place for its schools.

The event was also attended by the the state chairman of the McCain-Palin campaign along with several Republican Assembly members who last year had voted in support of marriage equality.

Mormons and Arizona’s Prop 102

A huge dust-up exploded on the front page of the Arizona Daily Star this morning. According to the Star, Kyrsten Sinema, campaign chair for Arizona Together, characterized Proposition 102 as a “mostly Mormon-backed attempt to rectify what it calls a ‘polygamy problem’ in the eyes of voters”:

The opponents’ argument against the ballot measure also rests on convincing voters that Mormons and other religious groups are seeking to “impose their views on people.”
…

Sinema said the ballot measure is a reflection of the Mormon church “working hard to convince the public that they are mainstream.” She said her background, being raised Mormon in Tucson, gives her the credibility to make the charge.

“I don’t think Arizonans are interested in having the Mormon religion dictate public policy to them,” Sinema said.

Sinema contends that at least three-quarters of the individual donors to the campaign are with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, based on her group having Googled donor names along with “LDS” or “Mormon.”

While that method of verifying the religion of donors may be questionable, Sinema points to top backers with ties to the Mormon church: $100,000 from philanthropists Rex and Ruth Maughan, and $40,000 from Kristen Cowley, an organizer of the LDS Easter pageant.

Last June, just as the Arizona Legislature voted to place Prop 102 on the ballot, the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS) sent a letter to California churchesto be read during Sunday services which asked its members to “do all you can to support the proposed constitutional amendment by donating of your means and time.” I have it on good authority from Mormon colleagues that a similar campaign has been underway in Arizona since July.

Proponents of Prop 102 charge that questioning the LDS’s heavy involvement in the marriage battle in Arizona amounts to bigotry:

Michele Baer, spokeswoman for the campaign pushing the amendment, calls the focus on
Mormons a “political scare tactic from the opposition.”

But Baer — herself a Mormon singer — could not explain why voters would be scared of such involvement by Mormons.

“I don’t know,” she said. “I’m just saying that there is such broad-based support across all political, religious and ethnic backgrounds that support this proposition.”

And Baer wouldn’t comment on where the bulk of the funding is coming from, calling that “campaign strategy.”

“I can’t share,” she said. “They can look at public records.”

It certainly is a matter of public record. A look at the Arizona Secretary of State’s web site reveals that “Yes For Marriage” collected some 190 contributions of $10,000 or higher. Four individuals contributed $100,000, 6 contributed $50,000, and 25 contributed between $20,000 and $50,000. The site, of course, does not list religious affiliation, so it’s difficult to know how many of these contributors are LDS members.

Does anyone have time to google 191 names?

But there is this interesting fact: of the 190 contributions of $10,000 or higher, 70 came from Mesa Arizona — home to Arizona’s oldest LDS Temple and a very significant Mormon population. Mesa contributors include three of the four $100,000 contributors. In fact, the temple is located on a street named for the family of one of those $100,000 contributors — David and Nancy LeSueur.

I fully expect this line of questioning to be very controversial. My email inbox is already full about this. But I do think it is newsworthy that one religious denomination appears to be bankrolling a serious public policy initiative under the guise of a broad-based grass-roots organization. If that doesn’t send a chill down the spines of everyone who cherishes religious liberty, I don’t know what does.

The campaign to defeat Prop 102 is desparately outfunded. We’re struggling to afford radio ads, while the “Yes” side already has ads on television. Please give today, whatever you can.

[Updated at 7:20 PM PDT to include additional information about Mesa, Arizona contributors]

Appearance on Michelangelo Signorile’s Show

I will be on the Michelangelo Signorile’s radio program on Sirius OutQ 109 this afternoon, beginning at 3:30 EDT (12:30 PDT) to talk about Arizona’s Prop 102, the so-called “marriage amendment.” I will be talking about the challenges our campaign faces in getting the message out and why Arizona’s ballot battle is important.

If you don’t have a subscription to Sirius satellite radio, you can listen on the web by signing up for a free three-day trial at http://www.sirius.com/outq.

Christian Singer Ray Boltz Comes Out

There have long been rumors about the sexual orientation of some of the better known names in Christian music, including some who are superstars in the genre. Now an artist in Contemporary Christian Music with a recognizable name and familiar songs has come out.

Ray Boltz’ songs include “Thank You,” “Watch the Lamb,” “The Anchor Holds,” and “I Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb.” If you were raised in an evangelical church, it’s likely you have heard at least one of his songs.

The Washington Blade has a well written, tasteful article about Boltz’ life and his decision to come to terms with himself.

Lynne Cheney Endorses Marriage Freedom

Second Lady Lynne Cheney spoke with Harry Smith at CBS’s Morning Show on Sunday where she endorsed marriage freedom.

Transcript:

Smith: Can I show another really personal question? Because we just ran the George Tokei story…

Cheney: Un-huh

Smith: … and because marriage is legal for gays in California. Would you wish that for your daughter?

Cheney: Well, I would wish my daughter to have happiness and freedom to make her own choices. The Vice President said in the debate with Joe Lieberman – ever so long ago in 2000 – that freedom in this country ought to mean freedom for everyone.

(hat tip GoodAsYou)

Galveston Gay Bar “More Than A Life Saver”

While Galveston city officials have struggled to wrangle with the devastation left by hurricane Ike, one Galveston gay bar is pitching in:

The first of two bars to reopen after Ike’s onslaught on Saturday, Robert’s Lafitte is a haven in the storm — for gays, straights, anyone who needs a place to drink and find comfort.

“You can see there’s not too much worry and stress on people’s faces,” said Dixie Monroe, a transgender barmaid who wore a tiger-print cowboy hat and a low-cut top.

Amid the devastation and rescue operations, Lafitte has become an important focus of rescue and charity efforts:

The bar is setting out food donated by locals for people in need. Some 20,000 people are thought to be still on the island and food and water are scarce.

“It’s more than a life saver. This is like the Coast Guard,” said Brian DeLeon, a straight restaurant worker who had not visited the bar before.

“These are the people who take you up out of the water and make life livable. Once I get back to work, I’m coming back here.”

It Could Have Been Huckabee

So far this presidential campaign season has seen a markedly reduced emphasis on cultural issues. Unlike George Bush’s efforts to define his distinction from John Kerry by the extent to which he reviled gay couples and sought the restriction of their rights, Sen. John McCain has mostly avoided any reference to gay couples and has, at times, seemed almost apologetic for his views.

But it might not have been this way. Governor Huckabee was considered a credible candidate and could have been the Republican Party’s nominee. And Huckabee would have delighted in crafting his campaign around anti-gay activism – oh, pardon me, protection of marriage, family, and (I kid you not) the universe.

Huckabee was in Southern California this weekend to preach sermons about Proposition 8. The Ventura Star reports

The former Arkansas governor and Southern Baptist preacher spoke from the pulpit of Calvary Chapel Thousand Oaks in two services focused on Proposition 8, a state constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage. He told about 1,000 people that marriage was created and defined by God, just as the Mona Lisa was created by Leonardo da Vinci.

“God doesn’t want me to take my brush and paint over his masterpiece,” he said.

Huckabee may appreciate Da Vinci’s work today. But somehow I find it easy to imagine that he would be among those who supported the 1476 prosecution of the artist on sodomy charges.

After all,

Huckabee said he wasn’t there to tell people how to vote on Proposition 8. But he told people that laws related to both life and marriage will determine the future of the universe.

And anything can be justified when you’re protecting the future of the universe.

Palin Mayoral Campaign Manager: Palin Wanted to Remove “Daddy’s Roomate” From Library

We’ve seen several allegations that Alaska Governor and GOP Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin has tried to have books removed from the Wasilla, Alaska public library during her term as mayor. Most of these allegations have been unsubstantiated — either the titles of the books mentioned didn’t exist, memories were weak, or lists of titles were proven false.

But now comes word from a former Palin campaign manager — one who is “still proud of Sarah” — who remembers specifically one book that Sarah tried to have removed. This morning, in a wide-ranging article describing allegations of Gov. Palin’s personal vendettas in firing decisions, the New York Times is reporting:

But in 1995, Ms. Palin, then a city councilwoman, told colleagues that she had noticed the book “Daddy’s Roommate” on the shelves and that it did not belong there, according to Ms. Chase [Laura Chase, her campaign manager during Ms. Palin’s first run for mayor in 1996] and Mr. Stein [John Stein, Palin’s mayoral predecessor]. Ms. Chase read the book, which helps children understand homosexuality, and said it was inoffensive; she suggested that Ms. Palin read it.

“Sarah said she didn’t need to read that stuff,” Ms. Chase said. “It was disturbing that someone would be willing to remove a book from the library and she didn’t even read it.”

“I’m still proud of Sarah,” she added, “but she scares the bejeebers out of me.”

Family “Research” Council: Racism for Sale

The Family “Research” Council is putting on its Values Voters Summit right now in Washington, D.C., and it appears that among the “Voter Values” they’re pushing is Aunt Jemimah-like racial caricatures:

Activists at a conservative political forum snapped up boxes of waffle mix depicting Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama as a racial stereotype on its front and wearing Arab-like headdress on its top flap.

The FRC claims they didn’t know that the packaging was offensive. It’s hard to imagine what world they live in where these images don’t conjure ugly racial stereotypes from the earliest part of the 20th century. The horribly racist images run rampant throughout the packaging, proving this FRC-sanctioned vendor to be an equal-opportunity offender:

While Obama Waffles takes aim at Obama’s politics by poking fun at his public remarks and positions on issues, it also plays off the old image of the pancake-mix icon Aunt Jemima, which has been widely criticized as a demeaning stereotype. Obama is portrayed with popping eyes and big, thick lips as he stares at a plate of waffles and smiles broadly.

Placing Obama in Arab-like headdress recalls the false rumor that he is a follower of Islam, though he is actually a Christian.

On the back of the box, Obama is depicted in stereotypical Mexican dress, including a sombrero, above a recipe for ”Open Border Fiesta Waffles” that says it can serve ”4 or more illegal aliens.” The recipe includes a tip: ”While waiting for these zesty treats to invade your home, why not learn a foreign language?”

Co-sponsors of the summit include Gary Bauer’s American Values, Focus On the Family Action, the Alliance Defense Fund, and — most ironically — Rev. Harry Jackson’s High Impact Leadership Coalition. Confirmed speakers include Newt Gingrich, Mitt Romney, Glenn Beck, Bill Bennett, Jeb Bush and Lou Dobbs. Dobbs, reportedly saw the box and loved it:

According to the the site’s blog, Lou Dobbs, who was also speaking at the convention, lauded the product Friday.

“My wife will love this,” Dobbs purportedly said. A photograph of Dobbs with a box and one of the sellers is online here.

The seller has since removed the online post.

The Books-A-Million bookstore is reportedly set to sell these boxes on their shelves.

Update: TalkBytes.com has the photo of Lou Dobbs posing with the Obama Waffles box that was pulled from the seller’s web site:

[Hat tip for the update: Pam Spaulding]

DiFi Says “No” to 8

Moderate Democratic Senator Diane Feinstein has finally spoken on her opposition to Proposition 8.

The views of Californians on this issue have changed over time, and as a State, I believe we should uphold the ability of our friends, neighbors, and co-workers who are gay and lesbian to enter into the contract of marriage.

I urge Californians to oppose Proposition 8.

DiFi now joins Democratic Senator Barbara Boxer and Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in opposition to this discriminatory measure. And if there are any statewide elected officials that support Prop 8, they’ve been awfully quiet about it.