If Larry Craig Is A Deviant Then All Homosexuals Must Be

I tend to think there are more important issues in the world than whether Larry Craig is or is not a homosexual.  I also think that a lot of ink is being spilled over something that is more sensational than substantive to his doing his job.  The guy was accused of an offense, he pled guilty, he was sentenced and as far as anyone can tell that is the end of it.  Now whether or not he is the type of person the GOP wants in its ranks, I will leave to the GOP.

But I do take issue with comments such as this:

“Maybe all of these allegations aren’t true, but I doubt all of them are false given his arrest.This is continued proof to me that homosexuality is sexual deviancy. It certainly isn’t normal or healthy.”  Ace on PoliPundit.com

This isn’t proof that homosexuality is deviant or that all homosexuals behave in such a manner.  It is, however, proof that fear of disclosure can lead to aborrant behavior. 

Until such time as being gay is seen in society as not better nor worse than any of the other vast number of reasons we each differ from the other, people will continue to hide in their closets built of fear.  Fear of losing one’s reputation, one’s livelyhood and one’s life.  This fear will lead otherwise sensible people to seek out anonymous, clandestine encounters.

This is not to excuse bad behavior but it certainly is one of the reasons it occurs.  Comments such as the one above only add fuel to the bigoted fire. 

Hate Crime Legislation

Yadda, yadda, yadda.  We know the right is opposed to hate crime legislation that includes language for GLBT Americans.  That is nothing new.  However, this time around, the Democrats have majorities in both houses of congress and it is time that they passed this bill.  Bush has, of course, threatoned a veto but if the Demcrats in congress do not pass hate crime legislation that includes GLBT Americans then they no longer deserve the gay support they have been given and the Human Rights Campaign should apologize for taking us down the wrong path.

UPDATE:  Hate Crime Bill passes the house!  That is the first step.

New York Governor Files Gay Marriage Bill

How far it will get, who knows?  But New York now joins a growing list of states where assemblies are debating allowing gay marriage and not banning it with constitutional amendments. 

Has the tide began to turn?  Polls seem to show a growing acceptance for some form or legal recognition of gay relationships, be it civil unions or gay marriage.  Maybe conservative Jonah Goldberg is right when he says:

“…it’s my guess that gay marriage is ultimately inevitable.”

But as more states adopt legal recognition of gay relationships, it cannot be too far away that the federal government will have to take up this issue.  It has long been standing practice for one state to recognize the legal relationships of another.  The Defense of Marriage Act allows a state to ignore this precedent.  It won’t be long until someone argues the constitutionality of the descriminatory practice of recognizing heterosexual legal relationships but not same sex legal relationships.  Equal treatment should be extended to all Americans.

Giuliani Dons His Anti-Gay Apparel

And I had such high hopes for Rudy Giuliani.  Seems he is now distancing himself from his pro-gay past.  One of the things people have admired about him most has been his ability to remain steadfast in his positions.  I fear this “more nuanced” approach will hurt his candidacy.  I don’t think any dyed in the wool anti-gay conservative is going to buy this from a man who has appeared in drag — repeatedly. 

But what does this say about the supposed “big tent” Republican party when their front runner has to pander to the old gay boogeyman base?  Can’t wait to see all those flip-flops at the Republican National Convention.  Between those and Romney’s big ‘ole dolphin Flipper, it will resemble a day at the beach.  For the Republican Party, the ‘08 elections are shaping up not to be.

Openly Gay News Anchor

See it is possible for a news anchor to be openly gay.  Maybe someone should tell this guy.

Conservative Republican Gives Tepid OK To Military Gays

Mike Huckabee, a Baptist minister and conservative presidential candidate, seems to be ok with GBLT Americans being able to openly serve in the military.  As Pam’s House Blend reports, Huckabee is quoted as saying:

“I’m not sure that being homosexual should automatically disqualify a person from the military. If a person can do his or her job, you know that’s not for me the biggest issue…”

While he certainly isn’t GLBT positive on many other issues such as gay adoption and same sex marriage, it is interesting to see a conservative take such a position on Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.  Is this a sign that maybe, just maybe, conservatives are waking up to the fact that GLBT Americans are not the great evil boogey-man just waiting for the chance to destroy life as we know it?  Or are conservatives figuring out after the 2006 mid-term elections that the “great gay scare” isn’t so good at scurrying up votes?  Either way, we win and this is a good sign.

Tim Gill’s Support Helps Advance GLBT Rights

GayPatriot takes aim at Tim Gill and the Gill Foundation for using their money and strategic capabilities to effect change for GLBT persons by targeting anti-gay politicians and supporting their opponents.  He is worried about:

“…what the Gill-sponsored candidates have promised in return for their debit card at the Gill ATM machine.”

I am sure the Gill-sponsored candidates are no more beholden to their benefactor than those sponsored by Big Tobacco, Big Oil, Big Pharmaceuticals, etc., etc. 

Conservatives have long argued that:

“The right to spend money on politics, including the right to contribute to campaigns, is protected by the First Amendment.”

Money is the name of the game in politics.  I am glad that someone has finally figured out how to make GLBT political dollars actually advance GLBT rights. 

Adam and Steve Can Say “I Do” in Magic Kingdom

I am glad we have the opportunity to be just as tacky as anyone else.  Today the Walt Disney Company says it will allow same-sex couples to exchange vows in front of Cinderella’s Castle.  It isn’t exactly the Guggenheim but hey, to each their own.

Seriously though, Disney has long stood up for equal treatment and my fairy hat is off to them.

Gays To Invade Redneck Headquarters

Good Lord, we really are everywhere! 

(NOTE:  The headline is a joke and since I come from a long line of southerners that won’t live in anything that you can’t pick up and take with you, I josh my fellow escapees from Hicksville. )

(FURTHER NOTE:  Yes… I am aware that NASCAR isn’t just for rednecks anymore but it does seem to attract more than its fair share)

To Human Rights Campaign: Answer the Questions

While I am not a big fan of the Human Rights Campaign, I am a big fan of transparency in regards to non-profit organizations.  I agree with Andrew Sullivan who says:

“Until they start answering questions posed by the media, stop giving them your money.”

These are simple questions being asked of you from the people who give you money.  No Answers = No Money.

Hillary Clinton Speaks on Gay Issues

Hillary gives “great face” as they say.  I am glad a leading Presidential candidate is at least saying these words (UPDATE: even if somewhat in secret):

“We’re going to reach out and work with our allies in Congress both to change laws and change hearts. We want to make sure that all Americans in committed relationships have equal benefits from health insurance and life insurance and Social Security and property rights and more. These are fundamental rights,” she said.

In the same speech she also said that as President she would end the military’s policy of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.  If she is sincere, why wait until then?  She should expend some of her immense political capital and help Congressman Meehan pass his bill and send it on to President Bush now.  Until then… color me skeptical.  Just the same ‘ole, same ‘ole.

Ann Coulter Stirs Up GOP

And they eat their own…

Say what you will about Ann Coulter, and I certainly have, but she says what some others only think.  That has always been her appeal and she will continue to have an audience.  She has certainly said much worse and that didn’t seem to effect her popularity.

I tend to agree with one commenter on another Ann Coulter thread on the GayPatriot site who said:

“The real scandal is not Ann Coulter - it is the fact that she is LOVED by the conservative base. Hell, she was even introduced by a leading presidential candidate last night. And after her talk there was a line a mile long to get her to sign books.”

The big story is not what Ann Coulter said, because let’s face it this wasn’t particularly shocking in the Ann Coulter sphere of things, but the Conservative reaction.  I am glad to see the leading GOP Presidential hopefuls taking the high road.

Repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Now

Now is the time for the Democratic Party to step up or forever loose their ability to call on GLBT support.  There is a Democratic majority in both houses and they should immediately address and pass the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

The Human Rights Campaign has used millions of GLBT dollars to bet on just this moment… that a Democratic majority would be the champions of GLBT rights.  If this congress does not pass the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” Democrats should not receive another GLBT dime and neither should the Human Rights Campaign.  In fact, they owe a lot of people apologies.

UPDATE:  Chris Crain reports that the Bay Area Reporter is also calling the Human Rights Campaign to task for their non-focus on Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. 

UP-UPDATE: GayPatriot welcomes others to the party.

Republicans See Gay and Think Evil

Andrew Sullivan, for me, nails it on the head:

“There are so many reasons why gay people might vote Republican if the GOP were a conservative party and not a religious one. Small government, individual freedom, low taxes, strong defense: these are values shared by many gay Americans. Personal responsibility is also one of them. When I think of a gay person who lives responsibly, saves his or her money, goes to church, contributes to charity and settles down in a stable relationship, I think: conservative. When such a couple wants to get married, I think: conservative. When such a person decides to serve his country in the military, I think: conservative. But the new Republican base sees all this and thinks: evil.”

That is why I find it very difficult to ever support a Republican candidate.  Even if the candidate is obviously personally pro-gay (ie. Rudy Giuliani). The candidate still voluntarily aligned themselves with a political party that routinely uses GLBT Americans as the boogeyman.

(NOTE: Yes, I know there are Democrats who are no better, but I don’t vote for them either)

Ted Haggard Exiled?

OK.  I will say it.  I feel sorry for Ted Haggard.

I know firsthand the kind of environment that produces a person who will do anything to avoid being “damned.”  The problem is, that no matter how hard you struggle, how hard you pray, how hard you will yourself to righteousness, it never works.