Alabama GOP Passes Resolution Supporting Chief Justice Roy Moore

The Alabama Republican Party is standing behind Roy Moore, the state’s Supreme Court Justice, who was suspended earlier this month and charged with violating ethical rules for trying to stop probate judges from issuing marriage licenses in the state.

The charges could mean, among other things, that Moore will be removed from the bench.

Alabama.com reports:

The resolution describes the probe by the Alabama Judicial Committee as being “politically motivated.” The resolution also said that only the state legislature should have the authority to remove elected officials from office.

Read the resolution:

Supporters of Moore rallied over the weekend in Montgomery:

The event kicked off with a prayer from pastor Rusty Johnson, who called upon God to not only bless the rally and Justice Moore, but also “to stand against this militant homosexual movement that is invading our land, stand against the demonic influences that have come not only to the state of Alabama but across the United States of America” by granting to Christians “the power and authority” to “cast these wicked spirits out of our society.”

Watch:

Right Wing Watch adds that Moore’s wife Kayla gave the keynote address and attacked drag queen Ambrosia Starling:

Conflating Moore’s suspension with the current right-wing outrage over transgender equality, Moore declared that she will not stand by and watch as men are allowed to enter the restroom with one of her granddaughters, which then prompted her to voice her outrage that her husband has been removed from the bench based on a complaint filed by “a man dressed as a woman.”

“This man dresses as a woman, with makeup, a blonde wig, a dress, jewelry and calls himself a drag queen,” Moore complained, as she demanded that the press investigate and expose him. “He works a regular job during the day and, at night, dresses as a woman and goes into nightclubs and bars. Now, I ask the press, who is he? Who is this man who hides his true identity? I charge you, find out who he is and let us know.”

After declaring that her husband did not serve in Vietnam to protect the rights of people like Starling “because up to the last couple of years ago, it was a mental illness,” she then read a reworked version of Martin Niemöller’s famous “First They Came For The Socialists” anti-Nazi quote.

As Towleroad’s Sean Mandell reported last week:

Starling, who goes by her drag name so as to protect her family, says she is seriously considering running for governor if Moore throws his hat in the ring for the 2018 race, as he is expected to do.

As we previously reported, Rachel Maddow is one of Starling’s many fans who suggested she would be well-suited for the state’s top job.

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Gay Choirs in Chicago and Philadelphia Send Videos of Support to San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus: WATCH

The Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus and the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus reached out to the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus with video messages and songs of support following the humiliating incident in Petco Park over the weekend when their voices were replaced by that of a female anthem singer and then taunted as they were left off the field.

The DJ responsible for the mishap apologized in a lengthy interview which you can listen to HERE.

Watch Chicago:

And Philadelphia:

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#AM_Equality Tip Sheet: May 24, 2016

RESISTING PRESSURE, CHARLOTTE CITY COUNCIL STANDS UP FOR LGBT NON-DISCRIMINATION ORDINANCE: Yesterday, the Charlotte City Council stood strong as Republican lawmakers in Raleigh attempted to redirect blame for their disastrous HB2 mess. Senate President Phil Berger and House Speaker Tim Moore yesterday reiterated their support for the vile HB2, with Moore saying that he would refuse to repeal the provision barring transgender people from the appropriate bathroom. HRC President Chad Griffin was on the ground and gave powerful testimony, calling for a full repeal of HB2, reminding the audience that anything less would leave people vulnerable to further attacks. Pointing out the risks and pitfalls of trusting that HB2 backers would negotiate, Griffin rightfully asked, “Who are you going to leave behind? Amongst those who you attacked in HB2, who will you leave on the cutting room floor?”

• Charlotte Magazine’s Greg Lacour’s coverage of the Council’s actions is worth a read, especially his focus on City Councilmembers’ refusal to fall for “vague promises from a manifestly untrustworthy leadership in Raleigh,” and comments from Erica Lachowitz, a local transgender woman who spoke last night. Lachowitz told the Council: “I don’t think you realize how much you mean to me, my daughter, and my family.” After weeks of unjust pressure from the Chamber of Commerce and state GOP lawmakers to repeal the ordinance, words like that reminded the Council exactly what they’re fighting for. More from Charlotte Magazine.
• A new Charlotte Chamber report reveals that Mecklenburg County has been dealt a massive financial blow because of HB2. Losses are estimated at $285 million, and as many as 1,300 jobs. Charlotte is the county seat of Mecklenburg.
• NC’s discriminatory duo, Senate leader Phil Berger and House Speaker Tim Moore, are continuing their attacks on LGBT people by attempting to combine their lawsuit with Gov. McCrory’s. Three federal judges are currently assigned to five separate lawsuits over the discriminatory HB2.
• The San Francisco 49ers spoke out today against HB2, announcing a gift of $75,000 to the Equality North Carolina Foundation. The team’s CEO Jed York is in Charlotte and met with transgender North Carolinians to learn more about HB2’s harmful impact.
• The Lumineers and the Dave Matthews Band will both donate proceeds from their shows in North Carolina to LGBT advocacy orgs working to repeal HB2.

NCs discriminatory HB2, which prompted more than 200 business leaders to speak out, was also met with disdain by Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts yesterday, who tweeted: “We cannot compromise on basic human rights. Any repeal of LGBT protections is bad for business, bad for Charlotte’s future.”

MAGNITSKY ACT TO INCLUDE PROTECTIONS FOR LGBTQ PEOPLE: The Global Magnitsky Act, a vital bill that would give the U.S. government the authority to freeze the U.S. assets of, and deny U.S. visas to, anyone who has committed “gross violations of human rights” against anti-corruption activists or human rights defenders around the world, is currently moving through the U.S. House of Representatives. This week, following months of advocacy by LGBT organizations, lawmakers in the House Foreign Affairs Committee clarified that the bill would indeed cover LGBTQ people, sending a clear message abroad that the U.S. will not tolerate human rights abuses against LGBTQ individuals. Should the bill become law, those who persecute people based on their sexual orientation or gender identity abroad may be blocked from entering the U.S. or from using U.S. financial institutions. More from HRC.

HOUSE LEADERS REMOVE ANTI-LGBT LANGUAGE FROM VA BILL: House leaders removed language from a VA bill that would have rolled back protections for LGBT people employed by federal contractors. In 2014, President Obama signed an executive order prohibiting federal contractors from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. The proposed bill would have allowed hospitals, medical facilities, and long term care facilities to have contracts with the VA, regardless of whether they discriminated against LGBT employees. More from The Washington Post.

OREGON GOV. INSPIRES GRADUATES WITH SPEECH ON BEING OPENLY BISEXUAL: Oregon Gov. Kate Brown gave a powerful commencement speech at Willamette University over the weekend, emphasizing the importance of living as your true self. She spoke about being closeted as bisexual, fearing losing her job and eventually being outed in the press. Brown became the nation’s first openly bisexual governor last year when she was appointed following Gov. John Kitzhaber’s resignation. If she wins in November, Brown will make history again as the first openly-LGBT person ever elected governor.

THIS: POLITICAL JOURNALIST RALSTON’S MOVING ESSAY: In a first-person essay, political journalist Jon Ralston shares the beautiful story of loving and accepting his transgender son, writing: “Slowly but surely, I have come to not just accept it but to embrace it. I have learned a lot about transgender issues through my job. I have read a bit. But I don’t want to talk about bathrooms or locker rooms. I don’t want to debate the public policy issues in North Carolina or whether the president was right to sue. There will be plenty of time for that. My first instinct, as ever, has been to protect my child, to make sure Maddy is safe and happy. That’s all most parents ever want for their children.” Read it on Ralston Reports.

READING RAINBOW

The Huffington Post profiles Jim Gray, Kentucky’s openly-gay Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate… Actress Laverne Cox responds to the criticism she’s received for her role in the Rocky Horror Picture Show remake… Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff says that his fight for LGBT rights isn’t about him, it’s about his employees… The Advocate highlights the former students of Trinity Academy who leaked the school’s anti-LGBT policy “for the greater good”… The Washington Post investigates why some Republicans are choosing to turn away from their party’s anti-LGBT stance… The Hartford Courant shares the story of teacher Dusty Rader, who sets an inspiring example for his students by living as openly transgender… News12 New Jersey covers the Highland Park school board’s unanimous approval of a transgender-inclusive facilities policy… and the Huffington Post shares former presidential adviser and North Carolina native David Gergen’s commencement address at Elon University, which he used to call for HB2’s repeal.

Have news? Send us your news and tips at [email protected]. Click here to subscribe to A.M. Equality and follow @HRC for all the latest news. Thanks for reading!

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New film 'After Louie' launches Kickstarter campaign

www.glaad.org/blog/new-film-after-louie-launches-kickstarter-campaign

Right-Wing Group Plans Nationwide Target Protest: 'Sin Is Not a Civil Right'

A new video protesting Target has a message for the LGBT community: “Calling evil good will never make it right.” 

www.advocate.com/transgender/2016/5/24/right-wing-group-plans-nationwide-target-protest-sin-not-civil-right

Student Says She Was Kicked Out Of Gay Club For Being A Woman, Contacts Police

Photo source: Hannah Riley/Facebook

All 21-year-old Hannah Riley wanted was to celebrate her friend’s birthday at one of the swankiest gay clubs in London. But her fun was completely ruined when she was refused entry into the club. Now, she wants to the world to know about the injustice she suffered at the hands of a merciless doorman.

It all started last Friday evening when Riley and her friends went to the popular SoHo nightclub G-A-Y.

Related: PHOTOS: London’s Biggest After Hours Party Is Simply Beyond

“We were about halfway to the front,” Riley, a lesbian, tells Buzzfeed in an interview, “and one of the security staff–a woman–said to me, ‘Er, ladies, have you got membership cards?’ And we said, ‘No.’ And she replied, ‘Well, you girls can’t come in then.’”

Riley tried appealing to the nearby doorman, but she says he just looked at her with a stone cold expression on his face and replied: “You’ve already been told you can’t come in, so why are you still here?”

So Riley and her friends went to another gay club called Heaven. When they got there, she says they faced a similar dilemma. As they approached the female security guard, Riley recalls, “she asked if we had membership cards and we said, ‘No we don’t,’ and she said, ‘Right, you can’t come in.’”

She continues: “I said, ‘This is really sexist,’ and left.”

Two police officers happened to be standing nearby, so Riley approached them. At this point, she was crying, but the officers were unsympathetic towards her plight.

“I said, ‘They didn’t let me in because I was a woman.’ They [the police officers] just laughed at me.”

Related: Azealia Banks Says Gay Men Are More Misogynistic Than Straights, Calls Them The F-Word

Defeated and upset, she and her friends caught the bus home. Their Friday night had been completely sabotaged.

In response to the treatment, Riley penned an open letter to G-A-Y on her blog, accusing the club of practicing poor “allyship” and not “embracing a diverse community.” She also criticized the two police officers “whose job it is to protect me” for laughing at her when her feelings were clearly very hurt.

Riley hopes that by sharing her story with the world, she will raise awareness to the issue of unfair treatment of women by gay men.

“I’ve had really awful experiences in [straight] clubs,” she says. “So I don’t like going to places that aren’t gay, so when I got turned away I was so upset. If I can’t go to the most famous gay bars in London, [then] where should I go?”

She continues: “I think the LGBT scene is just for gay men. It’s sad that women are put off going to gay bars. Why put yourself through queuing up if there’s a strong chance you’re not going to get in?”

As for bathrooms in gay bars, that’s a huge problem, too, Riley says.

“I’ve been to gay venues and used the men’s toilet because there’s a huge queue in the women’s. That should be a place where people don’t give you a funny look, and still the men are like, ‘Why are you in here?’”

She continues: “Gay men could be more open-minded and recognize the problem [of long lines in the women’s bathroom] and recognize they are in a privileged position: They can go out on a gay night and be surrounded by gay men in a place that caters exactly for their needs.”

Related: PHOTOS: Out-Of-Control Go-Go Boys Play With Each Other In London

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DVD: “54: The Director’s Cut,” “Princess,” “Like Cattle Towards Glow” & More!

It would seem the the dark side – at least of sexuality and human nature – runs strong through this week’s home entertainment selections.

An adolescent girl and her male doppleganger endure a difficult situation and emerging sexuality in Princess (above), while a naive albeit hot New Jersey boy lands in a decadent queer world in 54: The Director’s Cut.

Finally, controversial gay writer Dennis Cooper makes his (co-)directorial debut with a handful of tales about beautiful youth in crisis, Like Cattle Towards Glow.

Trailers and details await your scrolling!

Princess

($21.99 DVD; Breaking Glass Pictures)

A provocative Sundance Film Festival title, Israeli director Tali Shalom Ezer’s drama follows a 12-year-old girl, Adar, who comes across a male doppleganger, Alan, one day. They become fast friends, seemingly both intrigued by their physical semblance (Alan, by the way, appears to be a hustler), which also piques the curiosity of Alma’s mother’s boyfriend, Michael. In fact, Michael becomes downright smitten by the lad, and from there things get a bit dark and even dreamlike, leading one to wonder who this boy really is. Thought provoking, gorgeously lensed, and impressively acted by the two adolescent leads, this is a unique – and, admittedly, during one scene, quite uncomfortable – watch for sure.

54: The Director’s Cut

($14.99 Blu-ray, $9.99 DVD; Lionsgate)

Mark Christopher’s Saturday Night Fever-esque tale about a young New Jersey guy – played by Ryan Philippe – who enters the decadent, queer world of legendary NYC disco Studio 54 was infamously de-gayed by distributor Miramax back when it hit theaters in 1998. Over 15 years later, Christopher’s original, saucy unrated vision, complete with a gay kiss between Philippe and Breckin Meyer and more of Mike Myers as lecherous owner Steve Rubell, has been restored and released. A must!

Like Cattle Towards Glow

($24.99 DVD; TLA)

Writer Dennis Cooper (Frisk) brings more of his alternatively erotic and disturbing tales about queer lost, and sometimes murdered, youth to the screen with his first directorial effort, in collaboration with co-screenwriter/director Zac Farley. Comprised of five sometimes sexually explicit stories, the film’s protagonists include a hustler who specializes in necrophiliac clients, a skater boy who gets kidnapped, and a voyeur. Dark stuff, kids!

ALSO OUT:

Zoolander 2

The Finest Hours

How To Be Single

Risen

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Fergie to Headline This Year’s NYC Pride Dance on the Pier: WATCH

Pride Season has officially begun!

Eight-time Grammy Award-winner Fergie will be the headline performer of this year’s Dance on the Pier at NYC Pride (Sunday, June 26) at Pier 26, on Hudson River Park, Heritage of Pride announced this morning.

This year marks Dance on the Pier’s 30th anniversary, and it’s also the last time the event will take place on Pier 26. Dance on the Pier is a New York City LGBT tradition, and it always closes out NYC Pride Week, with fireworks, fierceness and fabulousness.

Our girl Fergalicious, multi-platinum solo artist and vocalist for The Black Eyed Peas, said on a video she posted this morning on YouTube that she was very excited to be part of the celebration.

She will join the impressive list of superstars who have also been part of the celebration in previous years: Cher, Whitney Houston, Deborah Cox, Demi Lovato, Jennifer Lopez and Ariana Grande, just to name a few.

“I’m so honored to be performing at the 30th Dance on the Pier at NYC Pride, the largest LGBT Pride celebration in the world. There have been so many incredible artists that have performed at this landmark event in the past, and we’re going to create something extra special to celebrate this milestone,” says Fergie.

The DJs this year will be Ben Baker, Honey Soundsystem, Hoxton Whores and Alain Jackinsky.

More than 7,500 people are expected to attend the Dance, and tickets always sell out way in advance. So you really need to get you tickets soon.

Tickets start at $25. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit here. 

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Nolan Gerard Funk, Nile Crocodiles, Bernie Sanders, Emilia Clarke, Jake Gyllenhaal: NEWS

BERNIE SANDERS. New California ad attacks Clinton for refusing to debate him: “Prior to his rally, Clinton communications director Jennifer Palmieri sent out a statement about the former secretary of State’s decision to decline to debate Sanders. ‘We have declined Fox News’ invitation to participate in a debate in California,’ Palmieri said. ‘As we have said previously, we plan to compete hard in the remaining primary states, particularly California, while turning out attention to the threat a Donald Trump presidency poses.’”

ROMANIA. Groups push for ban on same-sex marriage: “Several groups linked to the Orthodox Church and united under the umbrella Coalition for Family are seeking a constitutional amendment to narrowly define marriage as the ‘union between a man and a woman’. It is the second such move in Europe this month after a group of mostly right-wing Italian politicians said they will push for a referendum to overturn the introduction of gay civil unions in their country.”

SOUTH AFRICA. Desmond Tutu’s daughter forced to leave priesthood after marrying woman: “Reverend Canon Mpho Tutu-van Furth can no longer preside at Holy Communion, weddings, baptisms or funerals after handing in her licence because the church does not recognise gay marriage. She said her father, the retired archbishop and celebrated anti-apartheid campaigner, was “sad but not surprised” at the news.”

INVASION. Man-eating Nile crocodiles discovered in Florida. “Now four have been found in Florida, although none were that large. They were probably brought from South Africa and kept as pets or zoo displays. One was a hatchling about a foot long sitting on a porch in Miami. Another was found on the property of a private zoo in Homestead, Fla., and a third, a 10-pound female, was captured in a public park, also in Homestead. Finally, five months later, in March 2012, a three-foot-long female was trapped in a canal in Homestead, above. This one was tagged and released.”

PENNSYLVANIA. Hershey Park issues trans-friendly policy: “For decades, Hersheypark has been dedicated to the safety and security of our guest and employees. It is foundational to our brand. Additionally, the Park has and will always strive to accommodate all guests and employees – including members of the LGBT community – to ensure those visiting or working at Hersheypark are comfortable and feel secure. To that end, the Park will continue its practice of treating all guests and employees the same no matter race, ethnicity, sexual identity, etc. Guests and employees may continue to use the restrooms with which they gender-identify, or are welcome to use the many family restrooms available across the destination.”

PROMOTION OF THE DAY. Nolan Gerard Funk prepares us for the Arrow finale.

ONE NIGHT ONLY. Jake Gyllenhaal to star in Sunday in the Park with George: “Jake Gyllenhaal, for a special performance on October 24 to raise money for the New York City Center, will be portraying post-impressionist artist Georges Seurat in the musical Sunday in the Park With George. The Pulitzer Prize–winning musical — with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine —chronicles the various, often humorous life exploits of a fictionalized Seuret as he works on his seminal painting ‘A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.’”

TIM MURPHY. How gay men really feel about straight men: “I’m not alone, apparently. Via Facebook chat, I asked a few dozen gay male friends of mine, varying by race and age, what first came up for them when I said the words ‘straight men,’ and, almost uniformly, the results weren’t pretty.”

DALLAS BBQ TRIAL. Prosecutor argues that man charged with attacking gay couple had no justification: “The defendant didn’t attack these men because he was scared for his life — he attacked them because Jonathan Snipes humiliated him and he was pissed off,” the ADA argued. The bag-swatting by Snipes, who admittedly had several stiff drinks that evening, was not a ‘free pass’ for El-Amin ‘to do whatever he wants to [Snipes] and his partner, whenever he wants.’ Taking a blow from a soft and nearly empty bag was nothing compared to what El-Amin would do — stomping on Snipes’ head repeatedly and knocking out his boyfriend Ethan Adams by slamming a chair over his head.

EMILIA CLARKE. The Game of Thrones star demands more male nudity.

NATURE. Octopuses and other cephalopods experiencing surge in population: “The consistency was the biggest surprise,” said lead study author Zoë Doubleday of the University of Adelaide. “Cephalopods are notoriously variable, and population abundance can fluctuate wildly, both within and among species.”

KITE OF THE DAY. The giant octopus.

TECH. Here’s the world’s first 3D printed motorcycle: “The bike has been dubbed Light Rider, as it weights just 77 pounds, and it’s powered by a six-kilowatt electric engine that allows it to accelerate from 0 to 50 miles per hour in just a few seconds. By utilizing a “selective 3D laser printing system,” APWorks was able to mold melted minuscule aluminum alloy particles together to in turn create the web-like frame.”

TOO HOT FOR TUESDAY. Ricardo Rocha.

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Watch This Bizarre Music Video Christians Have Launched Against Target’s Transgender Policy

Faith2Action, a “pro-active launching pad for the pro-family movement,” is planning a new protest to highlight Target’s pro-transgender bathroom policy.

Anti-gay groups are up in arms at Target’s decision to allow transgender people to use bathrooms in accordance with their gender identity. Earlier this month, a bible-waving Christian mom took her family into Target on Mother’s Day to protest the company.

Now, Faith2Action – best known for their utterly charming documentary Light Wins: How To Overcome The Criminalization Of Christianity – are planning a “Don’t Target Our Daughters Day” on June 4. Faith2Action head honcho Janet Porter (right) and co. are hoping the protest will be an opportunity to warn shoppers about Target’s policy allowing “predators and sex offenders” into women’s restrooms and fitting rooms.

RELATED: Janet Porter: ‘Homosexualizing of Marriage’ Will Lead To ‘Criminalization of Christianity’ – VIDEO

To promote “Don’t Target Our Daughters Day,” Faith2Action has produced a music video of sorts soundtracked by the worst in Christian music:

“No matter how long it’s shouted, sin is not a civil right,

And calling evil good will never make it right.”

Okaaaay then….

According to Huffington Post, the video also shows a little girl being attacked in a bathroom and a righteous ex-customer cutting up a store card. That’ll show ‘em.

Earlier this month, American Family Association facilitated the first documented cases of sexual predators using Target’s policy by sending men into the retailer’s bathrooms. Makes sense.

Watch Faith2Action’s video below.

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