LGBT News

Holy cow! From the Riverfront Times: How to stop a piece of a legislation that would codify the right to discriminate against same-sex couples? For Missouri Democrats, the answer may be to just keep talking. Last night at 4 p.m., the Senate Democratic caucus began filibustering a joint resolution aimed at bringing a constitutional amendment to Missouri voters that would …

From the Shanghaiist: A new advertisement by McCafé featuring a heartwarming coming-out scene has created something of a firestorm in a coffee cup in Taiwan, with religious fundamentalists up in arms, calling for a boycott against the chain. In the 90-second video, titled Acceptance, the third and latest video in the More Warmth in Conversations campaign by McCafé which started …

You may recall that in 2011 a gay man was arrested for “nudity” at San Diego Pride. On Friday the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals will hear the case. The San Diego Reader reports: Do San Diego police officers interpret public nudity laws differently for a gay man at a Gay Pride event than, say, a woman in a g-string …

The Georgia Voice reports: The Atlanta City Council on Monday voted to pass a resolution in opposition to House Bill 757, Senate Bill 129 or any other legislation that would discriminate against the state’s LGBT community. The resolution, proposed by Councilmembers Mary Norwood [photo] and Alex Wan, passed unanimously. It was co-signed by Councilmembers Yolanda Adrean, Natalyn Archibong, Michael Julian …

The Kokomo Tribune reports: In front of a crowd filling both council chambers and the City Hall lobby, Kokomo’s Common Council voted Monday to approve legislation that would protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens from various forms of discrimination. After the 5-4 vote in favor of the ordinance’s first reading, the council will hold a second reading at 6 …

Hate group leader Tony Perkins is furious with Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal, who last week denounced his state’s pending RFRA bill by quoting from the bible. Perkins rants: Georgia Governor Nathan Deal (R) used to be a Democrat, and on Thursday, it was easy to see why. The longtime congressman-turned-governor sounded a lot like his old party last week when …

From the Jamaica Gleaner: Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the government will put key constitutional and social issues to a referendum. Holness made the commitment in his inauguration speech yesterday. However, he did not name the issues which will be put to a vote by Jamaicans. The JLP has strongly opposed Jamaica’s departure from the United Kingdom-based Privy Council to …

From HBO’s press materials: “Look at the pictures,” said Senator Jesse Helms, denouncing the controversial art of Robert Mapplethorpe, whose photographs pushed boundaries with frank depictions of nudity, sexuality and fetishism, igniting a culture war that rages to this day. More than 25 years later, the HBO Documentary Films presentation MAPPLETHORPE: LOOK AT THE PICTURES does just that, taking an …

Oh brother. Via Pink News: Caitlyn Jenner has claimed that Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton only cares about herself. The former Olympian, who is a staunch Republican, made the claim on her reality show I Am Cait, which has just begun its second season. During the show, Jenner is discussing politics with her transgender friends, when she insists that the …

From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Newly appointed state Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Bradley in student newspaper columns 24 years ago said she had no sympathy for AIDS patients because they had effectively chosen to kill themselves, called gays “queers” and said Americans were “either totally stupid or entirely evil” for electing President Bill Clinton. In one column, she wrote people …

But he’ll totally party at Sydney’s gay mardi gras. From the Sydney Morning Herald: Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has failed to endorse a pledge made by Attorney-General George Brandis to hold a same-sex marriage plebiscite, and change the Marriage Act, by the end of 2016. Speaking on Sky News on Sunday, Senator Brandis said the government would hold a plebiscite …

From the Daily Mail: The Queen did not approve of the legalisation of same-sex marriage, the Daily Mail can reveal today. While in favour of civil partnerships, as a woman of deep Christian faith she took a different view on the legislation allowing same-sex couples to ‘marry’. She expressed her frustration to a friend at the height of the controversy, …

Malta Today reports: The Malta Gay Rights Movement has called on parliamentarians to put forward a Bill opening up marriage to all couples irrespective of their gender, “without delay”. MGRM coordinator Gabi Calleja welcomed the cross-party consensus on gay marriages after both Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and Opposition leader Simon Busuttil came out in favour of the matter. “MGRM welcomes …

From the Sydney Morning Herald: As 178 floats assembled near Hyde Park and excited revellers made the final touches to their bright, feathered and stiletto-ed outfits, Sydney was ready to party. Thanks to spectacular weather, the 38th annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras was especially dazzling, with glitter and sequins reflecting a radiant sun. Thousands lined the streets and …

But he’s still blocking a vote on same-sex marriage. Perth Now reports: It’S a parade of firsts at this year’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, despite it being the 38th edition of the iconic Sydney event. Malcolm Turnbull arrived to watch the parade, making it the first time a prime minister has attended the event. Mr Turnbull was mobbed as …

From the Jakarta Post: Apparently under pressure to take preventive measures against the spread of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) propaganda through the internet, the Communications and Information Ministry is drafting a bill to ban websites that promote such activities. Ministry spokesperson Ismail Cawidu said the ministry had set up a panel that would meet to discuss the matter …

NYC-based DJ Corey Craig has sparked a t-shirt fashion at Sydney Mardi Gras in reaction to reality show cast member Kylie Jenner’s attempt to trademark her first name. Pop Republic reports: Kylie’s ridiculous battle with that Jenner girl has jumped up a notch this week, with Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras participants and global celebs going all out to …

Our least favorite Russian is back in the headlines. Via Gay Star News: Russian lawmaker has vowed to arrest athletes and spectators at a gay winter sports festival. From tomorrow till Monday (5-7 March), a sports facility in Priozersk, Leningrad will pay host to the ‘Paint With Winter’ festival. A celebration of rainbow families, athleticism and sport, it will be …

CNN reports: Chinese censors say television shows shouldn’t include story lines involving gay relationships, plus other topics that “exaggerate the dark side of society,” according to new guidelines. The eight-page document on “vulgar, immoral and unhealthy content” posted on the website of the China Television Drama Production Industry Association, was dated December 31 but was widely reported in Chinese state …

The Associated Press reports: Washington’s Supreme Court says it will hear an appeal of a Richland flower shop owner who ran into legal trouble for refusing to provide services for a same-sex wedding in 2013. The court issued a decision Wednesday saying it would hear the case of Barronelle Stutzman, the proprietor of Arlene’s Flowers. Last year, Stutzman was ordered …