tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55347364645969293862011-12-29T12:12:35.550-07:00Comments and postings from the Arizona Desert covering Gay News, GLBT related topics and any other local, national or world news items that catch my attention or ruffle my feathers. Feel free to add your comments or send a posting to a friend...Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.comBlogger3161100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-74883914404905658852010-05-27T11:18:00.001-07:002010-05-27T11:22:03.850-07:00

Nothing needs to be added to this....

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-89382117339574351412009-09-13T14:25:00.010-07:002009-09-13T15:25:40.553-07:00

By now you've probably noticed that I've missed a number of regular postings.Without going into too much detail, I just want you to know that I'm taking a little time off to take care of a couple of physical problems that I've dealt with over the past three decades but have intensified over the last few months. Hopefully these will be resolved in a short time and I'll be able to get back to

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-35805559688926476482009-09-08T07:00:00.002-07:002009-09-08T07:00:00.125-07:00

Remember all the yelling and screaming by right wing fanatics about how gay marriage is a threat to the institution of heterosexual marriage and threatens the very foundation of our society?Well, it seems that they were wholly, completely and woefully wrong.According to the following report by MSNBC's Rachel Maddow, new government statistics released last week show that since same-sex marriages

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-33602328606506277242009-09-02T11:06:00.020-07:002009-09-02T13:04:49.356-07:00

Administrator Alan Steen of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) announced that the investigation into the Fort Worth Rainbow Lounge raid on June 28th has resulted in the firing of three TABC employees.The investigation found numerous violations of TABC policies, most of which were outlined by Administrator Steen as early as last July in an interview with The Dallas Voice.Steen said in

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-47692105576189901882009-08-31T07:00:00.002-07:002009-08-31T07:00:00.747-07:00

Buju Banton is a Jamaican reggae performer whose music includes some of the most virulently violent lyrics ever written. Many of his songs advocate beating, torturing and killing gays, lesbians and transgenders.Obviously, this is homophobia in its extreme. But given the culture Banton comes from, it's not really a very big surprise. As I've written about before, the current Jamaican government

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-79154863411793292432009-08-25T07:00:00.002-07:002009-08-25T17:24:05.256-07:00

We've heard vile rhetoric from right wing religious fanatics before but this guy is so far over the edge, he's fallen off the cliff! If anyone deserves to be shattered off the rocks on his way down and splattered across the canyon floor, Pastor Steven L. Anderson of Faithful Word Baptist church here in Tempe, AZ is that person.Yes, I know that statement sounds somewhat extreme and certainly

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-61393354164422308682009-08-25T07:00:00.001-07:002009-08-25T07:00:04.058-07:00

Yesterday morning I received an email from Queers United asking a group of us to blog about two upcoming Dr. Phil shows.I haven't seen any of the past shows that dealt with LGBT topics but I do know from multiple past postings that on several occasions, especially when dealing with transgender/transsexual issues, his guests (some of whom were only in their early teens) were marginalized and even

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-70368014321986235942009-08-19T11:05:00.024-07:002009-08-19T12:35:12.501-07:00

After toppling Saddam Hussein and his brutal police and military forces, hope ran high that finally people in that country would be free to be themselves. To not have to worry about being picked up on the streets or taken from their own homes to be jailed, tortured and frequently murdered at the whim of those in power.It was hoped that the establishment of a free and democratic society would put

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-79703898413810686992009-08-18T10:56:00.020-07:002009-08-18T14:12:21.288-07:00

Last June, Obama's Department Of Justice (DOJ) filed a highly offensive brief in support of the Defense Of Marriage Act (DOMA). The reaction to the language used to justify maintaining DOMA was fierce and widespread.Wide ranging objections were heard from GLBT community leaders to editorials in the New York Times and Washington Post to radio and television commentaries to countless blogs across

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-9156608302341699892009-08-13T11:24:00.018-07:002009-08-13T13:27:49.348-07:00

San Diego hotelier and developer Doug Manchester was a very early financial supporter of Proposition 8. His $125,000 donation was a key factor in moving Prop 8 forward and sparked an on-going boycott of his hotels.His reasoning in making such a large personal donation was, according to a New York Times interview at the time, because of “my Catholic faith and longtime affiliation with the Catholic

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-5125923781290938092009-08-12T11:14:00.016-07:002009-08-12T12:37:16.241-07:00

Actor Daniel Radcliffe, a staunch supporter of the LGBT community and causes, made a sizable donation to The Trevor Project here in this country.This non-profit organization was founded in 1998 by three filmmakers whose film 'Trevor,' about a gay teenager who attempts suicide, received an Oscar in 2004.The Project works to prevent crises and suicides among LGBTQ youth through school workshops,

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-6211882030326062792009-08-10T07:00:00.003-07:002009-08-10T07:00:03.367-07:00

The highly anticipated results of one of the investigations into the Fort Worth, Texas Rainbow Lounge raid that resulted in the hospitalization of one patron with serious head injuries, were just released this past week.The investigation was conducted by the internal affairs division of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC). It found that two TABC agents and a supervising Sergeant

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-41446615074791180042009-08-06T10:51:00.028-07:002009-08-08T14:58:48.467-07:00

In a ceremony held yesterday in downtown's Daley Plaza, Chicago honored all of the gay men and women who served their country proudly throughout America's march through history.The Windy City Times, Chicago's oldest gay newspaper, reported that for the seventh year running, Chicago has held the only municipally sponsored ceremony in the country that recognizes and honors the service of GLBT

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-737631271525074542009-08-04T10:35:00.021-07:002009-08-04T12:31:52.636-07:00

Air Force Lt. Col. Victor Fehrenbach is a decorated pilot who has flown combat missions over Afghanistan, Iraq and Bosnia. Now serving as the assistant director of operations for an Air Force squadron in Idaho, he has an exemplary 18 year record of serving his country with unquestioned honor and a level of bravery that most of us could never know.Now, after 18 years and nine Air Medals, including

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-80961308546505665612009-08-03T09:16:00.027-07:002009-08-03T12:05:11.013-07:00

At approximately 11:00pm on Saturday, a man reportedly dressed in black and wearing a black ski mask entered the Gay Youth Center in Tel Aviv, Israel and immediately opened fire, spraying bullets indiscriminately around the room.The teenagers, many of whom were very young and hadn't even come out to their parents yet, were gathered in a basement room of the Tel Aviv Gay and Lesbian Association

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-49064845670181394692009-07-30T11:40:00.013-07:002009-07-30T12:23:04.641-07:00

This is both disturbing and encouraging news at the same time.Congressman Alcee Hastings introduced a bill to withhold from the DOD funding bill specific funds that are used to carry out the DADT policy discharges. The next day, Hastings was pressured (read, forced) by White House representatives and other congressional colleagues to withdraw his bill.Yesterday, Representative Hastings appeared

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-12752443445740213182009-07-28T10:47:00.027-07:002009-07-28T17:09:14.132-07:00

According to a July 25th Associated Press article by Kristen Wyatt, Speaker Of The House Nancy Pelosi appointed openly gay Representative Jared Polis (D Colorado) to the U.S. Air Force Academy's Board of Visitors.Polis, who took office in January as the first openly gay non-incumbent ever elected to congress, is now also the first openly gay member to serve on an oversight board at any of the

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-47587916190331178022009-07-27T11:07:00.037-07:002009-07-27T13:41:51.516-07:00

Trooper James Wharton of the British Army is now the new face of gays in the military.Nine years ago the European Court of Human Rights issued a ruling that pressured Britain and other member countries to allow openly gay men and women to serve in their militaries. This month, the July issue of the British Military's own official magazine, Soldier, featured a cover photo of openly gay Army

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-14909130007506377482009-07-23T09:07:00.029-07:002009-07-23T13:41:31.522-07:00

As stunningly beautiful as Jamaica is, it still has a very dark, brutal and dangerous underbelly.On March 10, 2009 I posted a report on a State Department Travel Advisory warning of the dangers to our community of traveling to Jamaica. On March 29th I ran a story about a call for an outright boycott of all Jamaican products. Obviously the continuing homophobic violence in Jamaica caught the

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-79085543798931719752009-07-22T10:17:00.006-07:002009-07-22T11:15:51.470-07:00

The announcement last May that attorneys David Boies (left) and Ted Olson will be filing a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of California's Proposition 8 was met with strong skepticism and resistance from some in the GLBT community. Many felt that a lawsuit now, with the current make-up of the Supreme Court, could not be successful and might even hurt efforts to put a measure to

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-8503333904599897172009-07-20T10:31:00.024-07:002009-07-20T13:57:39.387-07:00

On July 9th Matt Aune and Derek Jones say they were holding hands and occasionally kissed while walking through the Main Street Plaza in downtown Salt Lake City. For that, they were arrested, handcuffed and charged with trespassing even though many heterosexual couples have done the same thing in the same plaza without incident.In response to that homophobic episode, two "kiss-ins" were held in

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-41690096962442412282009-07-18T12:19:00.018-07:002009-07-18T13:17:09.365-07:00

I have written quite a bit about President Obama lately. Especially about his inaction in stopping the cruel and harmful DADT discharges. I am still disgruntled over this continuing issue but there does seem to be a couple of very bright lights at the end of that tunnel thanks to New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand's 18 month moratorium bill on DADT discharges and Pennsylvania Representative

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-79492465553774066532009-07-16T11:06:00.020-07:002009-07-16T13:00:08.860-07:00

The United State Post Office claims that "diversity means building an inclusive environment that respects the uniqueness of every individual and encourages the contributions of people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives."They also claim that their "commitment to diversity is unwavering. The United States Postal Service has been recognized for its commitment to creating an

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-35503952378290885042009-07-14T10:08:00.023-07:002009-07-14T11:37:05.836-07:00

Immediately after Proposition 8 was passed in California, many gay activists and GLBT groups vowed to take the issue back to the ballot in 2010. Emotions were intense and determination to overcome the homophobia that Prop 8 represented where at an all time high.It was the shock and anger over Prop 8's success that spawned a whole new activist movement throughout the country. It galvanized the

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-61857760877723690722009-07-13T10:23:00.023-07:002009-07-14T13:06:31.217-07:00

In an excellent article published yesterday in Monterey County's (CA) The Herald, a powerful contrast was drawn between the countries that have allowed gay service members to serve openly for years and the United State's persistent and harmful Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT) policy.Since 1994, the most recent accounts have stated that more than 13,500 US service men and women have been discharged

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-16799420143601990872009-07-09T11:30:00.017-07:002009-07-09T12:22:30.231-07:00

I've written a lot about the Mormon church in the past. Their outright hostility, their hypocritical, immoral and unethical tactics, especially during California's Proposition 8 battle, have been recurring themes in most of my posts. I've also seen, first hand, how easily and willingly my partner's family has frequently put their Mormon beliefs above their love for their own gay son. That's why

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-73379038220127938512009-07-08T09:22:00.023-07:002009-07-08T11:46:25.056-07:00

There is something seriously wrong with a society that allows a brutal murderer to serve less time than someone who abuses an animal. In this case, it's the state of South Carolina that allowed this travesty.On the night of May 16, 2007 at about 3:45 am, 20 year old Sean William Kennedy was murdered in a brutal, homophobic attack outside a Greenville County, S.C. bar.During his trial, it was

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-70550280617162068942009-07-06T10:04:00.035-07:002009-07-08T14:57:17.517-07:00

In an excellent, in-depth piece in Saturday's edition of the New York Times, James McKinley Jr reported that in addition to Chad Gibson's serious head injury, another patron of the Rainbow Lounge raid suffered broken ribs and a third had a broken thumb.Also, according to a Box Turtle Bulletin post today, another man, George Armstrong, suffered severe bruising and muscle strain when he was

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-82765722383536819742009-07-02T12:51:00.014-07:002009-07-02T13:21:04.552-07:00

Chad Gibson's mother spoke out about her son's injuries and the incident at the Rainbow Lounge to Dallas' Channel 8 news. Here's the piece that ran yesteday...Also, on Instant Tea, which is the official weblog of the Dallas Voice, reporter Tammye Nash posted the following comment yesterday:I just had a phone conversation with a source close to Chad Gibson’s family. I was told that yes, the

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-25658321963818792502009-06-29T10:33:00.026-07:002009-06-29T14:36:45.306-07:00

At approximately 1:00 am on June 28th, the Ft Worth Police department along with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) entered the Rainbow Lounge, a new gay bar open only a few weeks, to supposedly conduct a "routine" alcohol beverage code inspection.These inspections have been done before but they were always handled in a low-key manor. A couple of police would come in, look around and

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-55399638162666069402009-06-28T14:06:00.026-07:002009-06-28T14:48:33.762-07:00

POSTED IN REMEMBRANCE OF THESTONEWALL RIOTSJUNE 28TH, 1969AND OF ALL THE PIONEERING SOULS WHO WERE BRAVE ENOUGH TO STAND UP TO THE POLICE, THE INSTITUTIONS AND ALL OF SOCIETY TO FOUND TODAY'S GAY ACTIVIST MOVEMENT AND FOREVER ESTABLISH THE LEGITIMATE AND VERY REAL EXISTENCE OF ALL OF US.WE, AND ALL FUTURE GENERATIONSWILL BE FOREVER IN YOUR DEBT.THANK YOU!

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-85238861306727519322009-06-25T12:40:00.029-07:002009-06-25T14:10:15.209-07:00

President Obama has run out of excuses for not taking action on DADT himself by simply exercising his own authority.As most of my regular readers know, I've written numerous articles about Obama's inaction on DADT. Well since then, the steam over this issue has steadily increased the pressure for him to do something.In addition to the USA Today/Gallup poll taken in May showing that over

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-31161117255259764702009-06-24T11:52:00.010-07:002009-06-24T12:47:46.113-07:00

According to a press release issued today from the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, a Trans-inclusive version of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) was introduced in congress today.Representatives Barney Frank, Tammy Baldwin and Jared Polis introduced the bill that will extend the existing federal law prohibiting employment discrimination to protect people on the basis of sexual

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-41389765250885310542009-06-23T12:42:00.021-07:002009-06-23T13:34:30.474-07:00

After the numerous postings I've published reporting on and challenging the Mormon church over their hypocrisy on GLBT issues, it's nice to report something positive.According to a posting by Queers United, a group of moderate Mormons who disagree with the church's stand on gay marriage and gay equality have created a petition that they intend to deliver to Church Headquarters on the first

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-11249285440059706202009-06-22T09:50:00.018-07:002009-06-22T11:12:01.467-07:00

Thomas R. Suozzi is the County Executive in New York's Nassau County. He's the grandson of Italian immigrants, was raised a Roman Catholic and attended only Catholic schools growing up. He is also one of the most successful and most respected democratic politicians in the state.At a time when gay marriage is being used as nothing more than a bargaining chip in the still unsettled battle for the

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-44591505759557430922009-06-18T10:04:00.016-07:002009-06-18T14:27:27.195-07:00

The infamous National Organization for Marriage (NOM), which has been using sleazy, underhanded tactics to prevent gay marriages throughout the country, has now focused its attentions on New York State Senators.In a desperate, reprehensible and legally questionable attempt to intimidate, terrorize and coerce New York State Senators, NOM (remember the video "Gathering Storm?" - they made it) is

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-50009664664216819772009-06-17T09:32:00.025-07:002009-06-17T11:36:02.526-07:00

Attorney General Eric Holder made a public statement yesterday about the rising tide of violence and called for a tougher U.S. hate crimes law to stop "violence masquerading as political activism."He said that in order to stop the violence Congress should pass an updated version of the hate crimes legislation to more effectively prosecute those who commit violent attacks based on gender,

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-2965263314013777452009-06-16T08:57:00.028-07:002009-06-16T11:39:17.147-07:00

There can be no question that hate crime violence is on the rise.The murder of Dr. Tiller during a Sunday service in his church and in front of his family was, by any account, a despicable and heartless act. But to have that followed so closely by the fatal shooting of the guard at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington and then the recent slaughter of a father and his 9 year old

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-66786742567383842082009-06-13T13:46:00.015-07:002009-06-14T15:49:27.736-07:00

Many in the GLBT community are very upset with Obama's silence and inaction on DOMA and DADT.To some, the Dept. of Justice's (DOJ) baffling, specious and almost unintelligible brief filed IN FAVOR OF UPHOLDING DOMA in a recent court challenge is the last straw.The media, from countless blogs and websites to prestigious newspapers and national broadcasts, have espoused scathing commentaries about

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-29056138513704003872009-06-11T11:08:00.020-07:002009-06-12T12:40:23.753-07:00

As some of you may know, over the last couple of months the New York Legislature has been going through a very public and very tumultuous power struggle over who controls the senate. And Governor Paterson's gay marriage bill has been embroiled right in the middle of the drama.Well, The Advocate reported this past Monday that a political coup, of sorts, was successfully executed. The democrats had

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-85227095239592466272009-06-09T11:04:00.014-07:002009-06-09T12:03:56.431-07:00

The publication Mother Jones (one of my personal favorites) reported Sunday that according to the latest USA Today/Gallup poll conducted May 7-10, 2009 and released last Friday, support for allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly has increased from 63% to 69%.That's now over 2/3 of the general public that believe gays should be able to serve in the military without any of the preconditions of

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-2301762265490437812009-06-08T10:35:00.010-07:002009-06-09T08:51:28.707-07:00

Since my last few posts have been somewhat top-heavy with political issues, I thought I'd share the following video with you just to get the week started off on a lighter note.The song, by artist Lily Allen, has scores of versions at YouTube that combine the song with very clever images but the one I'm including below features the lyrics. The first time I heard this, the images (although very

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-45909205689178155682009-06-06T12:23:00.030-07:002009-06-06T15:37:32.322-07:00

On May 10th I posted a blog article chastising President Obama for not taking any visible action to end the DADT policy despite overwhelming public support to repeal it and his numerous and clearly stated intentions to do just that when he was elected.Two days later, on May 12th, I posted another story about the new study published by the Palm Center at the University of California, Santa Barbara

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-55145728344377582332009-06-04T09:32:00.012-07:002009-06-04T10:37:01.499-07:00

I'm a couple of days late with this but I didn't want to let it go by without a comment.Lately, many in the GLBT community have been expressing growing dissatisfaction with President Obama's seeming non-action on many of the issues we consider to be of paramount importance to our community. I myself have expressed my own frustrations over this in several of my more recent posts.Although these

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-56936905257040026872009-06-02T09:49:00.022-07:002009-06-02T10:46:37.010-07:00

I ran across the following video, titled "Talking Equality," at the Feast Of Fools website. It was posted by FOF member Wesley from California and it's an excellent repudiation of the lies and gross distortions that the fanatic right-wing keeps trying to ram down people's throats.Take a few minutes and watch this. It's definitely worth your time and it will give you some excellent talking points

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-49773145493359390732009-05-31T16:29:00.041-07:002009-06-01T12:54:56.069-07:00

This has to be one of the most bizarre and disgusting attempts by a college president to take back a GLBT student non-discrimination protection - ever.It all started when Andrew Doherty, a gay employee of Westmoreland County Community College in Youngwood, PA who was legally married in Massachusetts, was denied health insurance for his spouse. His union filed a grievance on his behalf referring

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-12647714168910676882009-05-30T10:51:00.009-07:002009-05-30T11:52:42.395-07:00

If you've been following my last two posts, you know that the California Supreme Court let Prop 8 stand but still allowed marriages already performed to be valid and legal. Confusing? Of course. Contradictory? You bet. But because of the way the ruling was worded, the path to future gay marriages in California is still wide open.On one hand, they made it clear that they were forced to rule only

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-85471901705917195652009-05-28T11:09:00.025-07:002009-05-28T12:20:14.291-07:00

As expected, Tuesday's decision allowing California's Proposition 8 to stand is now, officially, headed to the United States Supreme Court.According the transcript of a press conference held yesterday and posted at Box Turtle Bulletin, Chad Griffin, board chairman of the American Foundation for Equal Rights, announced that they have filed a lawsuit in the federal courts against the state of

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-68712079729841179522009-05-26T10:55:00.026-07:002009-05-26T13:03:23.861-07:00

A couple of hours ago the California Supreme Court announced it's rulings on Proposition 8 and the validity of the marriages already performed.The bad news is that they ruled in favor of upholding the infamous Proposition 8. A News Release from the court stated:The 136-page majority opinion notes at the outset that the court’s role is not to determine whether Proposition 8 “is wise or sound as a

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-39554428013546748992009-05-22T11:45:00.023-07:002009-05-22T13:20:50.503-07:00

Today is Harvey Milk's birthday. He would have been 79. There are candlelight vigils planned for this evening from Sacramento all the way down to San Diego to commemorate this day. Queers United has posted the specifics for where and when each of these vigils will take place.So how appropriate is it then that the California Supreme Court also published a notice today that their decisions on the

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-88059626993682792612009-05-21T09:49:00.007-07:002009-05-21T10:20:22.493-07:00

Michael Steele, the current Chairman of the Republican Party, made another incredibly lame but valiant attempt to redefine his party's opposition to gay marriage without resorting to hateful, homophobic bigotry. Unfortunately, his argument made absolutely no sense.According to a Box Turtle Bulletin report, while speaking at the National Rifle Association's 138th Annual Meetings & Exhibits last

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-58395191074153697942009-05-20T09:17:00.011-07:002009-05-20T10:18:50.164-07:00

Several of my posts lately have addressed relatively heavy subject matters. Just to remind us that there are a lot of really good people out there who aren't trying to put us back in our closets or reindoctrinate our youth to believe that violence can sometimes be an acceptable answer, here's something on the much brighter side.In accepting the Capitol Champions Award, Iowa State Senate Majority

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-44933069105929339012009-05-18T11:22:00.024-07:002009-05-18T13:29:30.722-07:00

This picture appeared above a New York Times article titled "Scouts Train to Fight Terrorists, and More" which ran last Wednesday.My first reaction to just the image alone was how startling reminiscent it was of the numerous pictures I've seen of the infamous Hitler Youth. However, as disturbing as this picture and others are, the article is even more so.When I was a scout, the emphasis was

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-48497262050667119702009-05-15T10:43:00.020-07:002009-05-15T12:28:31.798-07:00

In my March 23rd posting, I did a story (with video) on the very public coming out of Lt. Dan Choi on the Rachel Maddow Show.Lt. Choi is a graduate of West Point, a NY National Guard platoon leader, an Iraq war veteran and an Arabic linguist expert. He and 38 other West Point graduates risked their careers by coming out publicly and forming an organization called Knights Out, which they intended

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-33496374284894438332009-05-14T09:51:00.022-07:002009-05-14T12:35:30.936-07:00

In my last two blog postings, I talked about the failure to see any substantive progress by the Obama administration to make good on his often repeated campaign promises to the LGBT community.Although there are still many issues that have yet to see any kind of movement, I focused on two of the top priorities that I believe should already have been addressed with strong, doable actions.The repeal

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-52842158395309117682009-05-12T10:30:00.016-07:002009-05-12T12:42:55.016-07:00

In my posting yesterday, I said that President Obama could end, or at least suspend, the DADT policy himself.Well, imagine my delight this morning when I saw a new study published by the Palm Center, a think tank at the University of California, Santa Barbara, that said the President does, indeed, have the authority to end DADT on his own authority.In fact, according to the study, the President

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-36953651549117353812009-05-10T15:43:00.029-07:002009-05-11T11:49:30.739-07:00

President Barack Obama's exhilarating victory last November seemed to almost instantly inflate a sense of overwhelming pride and indomitable optimism throughout most of this country - and, indeed, the world.Finally, after eight abysmal years of rampant arrogance, secrecy and stunning disregard for the very constitution that is the heart and soul of this nation, we could see light piercing through

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-69116045486115681362009-05-07T10:26:00.016-07:002009-05-07T12:09:05.847-07:00

The tenth annual National Women’s Health Week will kick off on Mother's Day Sunday, May 10th and will run through Saturday, May 16th.It's a nationwide undertaking coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health (OWH). During this week communities, businesses, government, health organizations, and other groups work together to educate women about steps

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-76512464204101850922009-05-06T10:27:00.029-07:002009-05-06T13:21:21.453-07:00

As I reported briefly yesterday, Maine's House of Representatives passed gay marriage legislation (LD 1020) by a vote of 89 to 58.This follows last week's Senate approval and earlier this morning Governor John Baldacci enthusiastically signed the bill despite much speculation that he might not sign it because of his previously stated beliefs about marriage and his expressed support for Civil

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-91494036017022023082009-05-05T13:30:00.004-07:002009-05-05T13:38:19.122-07:00

BREAKING NEWS...Maine's House of Representatives just passed legislation that legalizes gay marriage in the State of Maine.The vote was 89 to 58 in favor of passage. The State Senate approved the measure last week so now the bill goes directly to Governor John Baldacci for his signature.I'll have more on this in tomorrow's posting.

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-72943241281392568832009-05-05T11:19:00.023-07:002009-05-05T13:00:23.815-07:00

Howard Stern has mesmerized and confounded his listeners and critics alike for years now. You never know what he's going to say from one second to the next and from all appearances, neither does he.Aside from his trademark, point-blank, raunchy realism there's one thing that has remained a constant and recurring topic of countless discussions. Us.He clearly believes that the gay community has an

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-1566232716959277262009-05-04T09:19:00.020-07:002009-05-04T12:54:23.822-07:00

Orson Scott Card is a best-selling science fiction writer, english professor and public speaker.He is also an extreme homophobe who is calling for the criminalization of homosexuality and the overthrow of the American government if he and his cohorts don't get their way.As an official representative of the Mormon church, he was recently installed as the newest and most prominent board member of

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-3248030826455157262009-05-01T09:46:00.015-07:002009-05-01T10:58:00.497-07:00

Caught in her own web of lies, Republican Congresswoman Virginia Foxx of North Carolina is now trying to portray herself as a "victim" by claiming that she's receiving death threats because of the disgusting Matthew Shepard murder comments she made in front of congress, the world and Matthew's own mother.Her comments were so off-base and reprehensible that it prompted Keith Olbermann to label her

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-50764097737074250922009-04-30T09:22:00.026-07:002009-05-01T09:49:51.670-07:00

The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, better known as the Matthew Shepard Act, passed the US House of Representatives yesterday by a vote of 249-175.The Senate will now have to vote on their version of the bill which was introduced by Democratic Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA) and sponsored by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and the now

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-62555072635334598192009-04-28T09:46:00.017-07:002009-04-28T11:04:19.586-07:00

Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter announced today that he is switching his party affiliation from Republican to Democrat.This move will give the Democrats a filibuster proof majority once Al Franken is finally sworn in. Franken's opponent, former senator Norm Coleman, has made his last-ditch effort by appealing the vote results to the Minnesota state Supreme Court. They're now just waiting for

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-85672411600857039812009-04-27T09:40:00.019-07:002009-04-27T12:03:44.304-07:00

This morning Melisa Keeton and Shelley Wolfe became the first legally married gay couple in the state of Iowa.Although the new marriage law requires a 3 day waiting period after being granted a marriage license, Melisa and Shelley were able to successfully appeal that requirement earlier this morning and obtained a waiver from a local judge. The nuptials were performed by pastor Pat Esperanaza in

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-25669509408537569972009-04-24T11:19:00.017-07:002009-04-24T12:21:29.547-07:00

Following last year's mandate from the Connecticut Supreme Court, lawmakers officially wrote gay marriage into the laws of the state.Wednesday's vote, which passed 28-7 in the senate and 100-44 in the house, officially redefines marriage as being "the legal union of two people" instead of the previous definition of "a union between a man and a woman."According to an article in The Advocate

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-11085401948747774652009-04-23T10:24:00.020-07:002009-04-24T13:10:43.823-07:00

With hate crimes against gays, lesbians and transgenders rising at alarming rates across the country, it's more important than ever to get the federal hate crimes law (the Matthew Shepard Act) passed - NOW.This morning I received an email from Joe Solmonese, the President of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), asking for immediate help in getting this legislation, which is up for a vote next week,

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-79414368294906673522009-04-22T09:58:00.014-07:002009-04-22T12:18:25.403-07:00

I worked most of my life in marketing and advertising and I've come to appreciate strong, concise, well written visual messages that have high, professional production standards.Usually, you would expect this kind of quality to come from places like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago or other large metropolitan areas that have vast pools of young, eager, gifted talent to draw from. That's why the

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-81465701800485459322009-04-21T11:16:00.026-07:002009-04-21T12:58:13.006-07:00

In an article posted this morning, 365gay.com reported that public hearings on legislation that would allow gay marriages will begin tomorrow (4/22/09) at the Augusta Civic Center.Actually, there are three bills dealing with same-sex unions that will be up for discussion. One is to repeal Maine's own 12 year old version of a Defense of Marriage Law which, like the federal DOMA law, bans same-sex

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-74341457881371878152009-04-20T09:19:00.040-07:002009-04-20T13:51:53.319-07:00

In the afterglow of dual victories in Vermont and Iowa, it seems that GLBT causes are finally taking on a whole new perspective.Many who have long been identified with right wing ideologies and homophobic hate rants have recently begun to publicly alter their supposedly long-held beliefs to reflect everything from a "subtle" reworking of their past statements to outright admissions of defeat.A

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-6206826805731756002009-04-17T10:23:00.018-07:002009-04-17T11:52:25.014-07:00

In 2007, Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire signed the state's first Domestic Partner bill into law. That bill was a domestic partner registry that provided some of the same rights bestowed on straight marriages to lesbian and gay couples and their families. In 2008, the Governor signed legislation that expanded those domestic partner rights to include 160 of the more than 400 rights

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-26759718020473730092009-04-15T09:04:00.037-07:002009-04-15T13:54:43.604-07:00

The seemingly surprising victory in Iowa was actually a seven year long, brilliantly strategized campaign.This morning, I read an interesting, Washington Post account of how the Iowa Supreme Court came to the unanimous decision to legalize gay marriage in the middle of our country's "heartland."Against all odds and in defiance of many GLBT leaders who objected to pouring time, money and resources

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-51104301760038038502009-04-14T11:17:00.019-07:002009-04-14T12:21:32.905-07:00

This morning, I received the following email from Amazon. It was in response to my signing the letter at change.org protesting their new and discriminatory reclassification policy.Hello,This is an embarrassing and ham-fisted cataloging error for a company that prides itself on offering complete selection.It has been misreported that the issue was limited to Gay & Lesbian themed titles - in fact,

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-19237512242292268102009-04-12T13:17:00.028-07:002009-04-13T12:56:50.630-07:00

A disturbing new report seems to indicate that Amazon.com is becoming a bit homophobic in their online rankings.According to a Box Turtle Bulletin report, Amazon is engaged in an inventory-wide program to reclassify a large number of GLBT titles as "Adult" books. Why is this so important to GLBT authors and our community in general? Well, a posting yesterday at the LA Times blog section Jacket

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-35474569091792926812009-04-08T10:31:00.024-07:002009-04-08T13:16:39.308-07:00

In an Opinion piece published at the Christian news sight WORLDmag.com, well known conservative pundit Cal Thomas admitted that the battle against gay marriage is all but lost.Using the classic movie musical The Music Man as a metaphor, Thomas cited lead character Harold Hill's proclamation to worried town folks that trouble had come to River City, Iowa in the form of a pool hall. A pool hall

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-43085202030350609092009-04-07T09:55:00.022-07:002009-04-07T11:05:40.141-07:00

It was announced this morning that with a House vote of 100-49 and a Senate vote of 23-5 the Vermont legislature did, indeed, have enough votes to override Republican Governor Jim Douglas's promised veto. This makes Vermont the fourth state to legalize gay marriage, joining Massachusetts, Connecticut and Iowa.Although Vermont isn't the first state to officially legalize gay marriage, IT IS the

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-67302808888854270032009-04-06T10:42:00.030-07:002009-04-06T13:12:33.757-07:00

Yesterday, CNN reported that 6 gay men were murdered over the last 10 days in Iraq.According to that report, two men were killed last Thursday in the Sadr City area of Baghdad after they were disowned by relatives. The shootings came after a tribal meeting was held and the members decided to go after the victims.Prior to these killings, on March 26th, four additional men were fatally shot in the

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-47093042377396245902009-04-03T09:30:00.021-07:002009-04-03T11:03:13.520-07:00

In a stunning unanimous decision, the Iowa State Supreme Court declared that banning same-sex marriage is unconstitutional.Iowa is considered to be the "heart" of the heartland and the decision to allow gay marriage in this state is truly significant. It mirrors Iowa's long history of commitment to the concepts of equal justice and equal treatment under the law. In 1839, years before slavery was

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-17976607400943896042009-04-02T09:27:00.011-07:002009-04-02T12:09:38.281-07:00

Sweden just became the seventh country to legalize fully equal gay marriage in an overwhelmingly strong vote of 261 to 22 with just 16 abstentions.According to PinkNews.co.uk:The new legislation comes into effect as of May 1st, replacing the current legislation established in 1995 approving registered partnership much like civil partnerships in the UK.Couples with a 'registered partnership' can

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-43307351033778281772009-04-01T10:04:00.017-07:002009-04-01T11:08:38.030-07:00

Since my monday posting on the Jamaican Boycott a couple of things have happened.First, JFLAG (Jamaican Forum for Lesbians, Allsexuals and Gays) published a posting on their website that both thanked everyone for their support and then asked that the boycott be at least reconsidered.While I appreciate the support in the cause for justice and tolerance towards everyone here despite their sexual

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-3723777815855153992009-03-29T11:44:00.030-07:002009-03-30T11:41:36.333-07:00

On March 10th, I reported on a Jamaican travel warning that was issued because of the worsening climate of hate and violence towards all LGBT people in that country.Over the weekend, a coalition of activists gathered at the Harvey Milk Plaza in San Francisco to declare an all-out boycott of Jamaican products and travel. Fittingly, the plaza is where Harvey Milk launched his highly successful

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-13663700243813577262009-03-27T08:54:00.018-07:002009-03-27T11:28:56.184-07:00

During a video taped interview with 365gay.com (see full interview below), openly gay Representative Barney Frank referred to Justice Antonin Scalia as "that homophobe" in response to a question about the Defense Of Marriage Act (DOMA).Frank was discussing gay marriage and his expectation that the high court would some day be called upon to decide whether the Constitution allows the federal

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-78219507670943310952009-03-26T09:32:00.017-07:002009-03-26T10:55:30.373-07:00

Republican Governor James Douglas said just a couple of days ago that he "wouldn't sign" the gay marriage bill, leaving the door open for it to become law without his signature.Yesterday however, Governor Douglas made a very public statement saying that if the bill does reach his desk, he would not sign it. This in spite of the fact that it received an overwhelming majority vote of 26-4 in the

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-36394565096053570622009-03-25T10:52:00.011-07:002009-03-25T11:58:22.329-07:00

Last year, the Gainesville, Florida city commission revised their antidiscrimination law to include protections for transgender people in employment, housing, and public accommodations.A vigorous and fervent repeal effort was launched almost immediately. The opponents, our favorite right wing-nut fanatics, thought they saw their chance to repeal not only that addition to the antidiscrimination

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-2351267676654136032009-03-23T09:35:00.021-07:002009-03-23T11:13:22.084-07:00

Lt. Dan Choi is an active duty member of the United States Army, a graduate of West Point, a NY National Guard platoon leader, an Iraq veteran, and an Arab linguist. He and 38 other West Point graduates risked their careers by coming out publicly and forming an organization they call Knights Out.According to The Advocate, Knights Out is intended to be a support group offering help to their alma

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-45776763327600442642009-03-20T10:03:00.025-07:002009-03-24T12:05:16.259-07:00

UPDATE 3/24/09...365gay.com reported this morning that the Vermont Senate just passed the same-sex marriage bill by a vote of 26-4. This overwhelming majority vote means that the bill will now move to the House where it is also expected to pass.Unfortunately, Republican Governor James Douglas has already chastised the legislature for spending time on the bill when it should be focused on the

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-47050241029260160692009-03-19T11:10:00.017-07:002009-03-19T12:49:15.399-07:00

Remember towards the end of last year when the Bush administration pushed the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to finalize regulations that would make it possible for doctors, hospitals, nurses, pharmacist and virtually all other health care workers and institutions to refuse treatment and/or services for any patient or procedure they deem "morally objectionable?"Well, they did. And

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-41733643268960278382009-03-18T09:25:00.027-07:002009-03-18T12:26:19.793-07:00

When 14 year old student Chris Quintanilla decided to wear a rainbow wristband that said "RAINBOWS ARE GAY" to school, he had no idea of the controversy his action would cause.According to a letter the ACLU wrote to District Superintendent, Dr. Denton Santarelli, on the first day Chris wore the wristband (Monday, February 23rd of this year), David Savorinic, Principle of the Parkridge Elementary

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-5139654789622329222009-03-17T09:14:00.016-07:002009-03-17T10:43:05.676-07:00

Yesterday I reported on the contested same-sex partner benefits for employees of California's court of appeals. There are, in fact, two California cases (as cited in the New York Times Article) that challenge the inequity of spousal benefits provided to employees.The two cases involve Karen Golinski, 46, a lawyer who works for the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and Brad D.

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-41845573451328821112009-03-16T11:17:00.027-07:002009-03-16T13:46:41.461-07:00

Gays rights legal issues are beginning to bubble-up to the top of public agendas much faster than I'm sure the Obama administration would have liked.In at least two cases fermenting within the Justice Department, the President is being pushed into a position that he either stands behind his many promises to the GLBT community of equal rights, protections and treatment or he doesn't.One case

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-63817338249972177262009-03-13T10:26:00.021-07:002009-03-13T11:33:01.959-07:00

In two separate stories published by The Advocate, same-sex marriage rights in Vermont got a double dose of support.Mental Health Experts Endorse Same-Sex Marriage...On March 10th, The Advocate reported that leading mental health and human services organizations in Vermont, citing professional studies that show legalizing gay marriage helps the children of same-sex couples, came out in support of

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-9527552056306163132009-03-12T09:54:00.021-07:002009-03-14T12:34:54.619-07:00

Tuesday evening the Washington State Senate passed Senate Bill 5688 by a vote of 30 to 18. Dubbed the "everything but marriage" bill, this legislation would bestow on same-sex domestic partners all of the state rights and benefits afforded to straight married couples. The House is also expected to pass this and Governor Chris Gregoire, a Democrat, has said she supports the measure and will sign

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-64663987330360574452009-03-11T11:46:00.018-07:002009-03-11T12:51:31.085-07:00

According to courier-journal.com, a publication that covers news from the Louisville, KY and Southern IN areas, a controversial bill intended to ban unmarried couples (i.e., gay couples) from becoming foster or adoptive parents died in the Kentucky senate.Even though Senate Bill 68 was voted out of committee last week, it was never called to the floor for a vote. The bill's sponsor, Senator Gary

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-85365112210771019312009-03-10T09:42:00.014-07:002009-03-10T11:46:22.991-07:00

The Caribbean is a beautiful place to visit. Lush, tropical islands ringed with miles and miles of white, sandy beaches. Complete with an almost endless supply of bright, warm sunshine beckoning you with the promise of long, lazy days of snorkeling, scuba diving, exploring or just hanging out on the beach sipping exotic beverages. It can truly be a vacation paradise.BUT, if you're gay, there is

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-65859274746420915752009-03-05T13:14:00.027-07:002009-03-09T12:35:51.820-07:00

Last September I reported on a gay bar in Galveston, Texas that survived Hurricane Ike (barely) and became a kind of a defacto community center for everyone, straight and gay, who stayed behind to ride-out the storm and protect their property from looters.The bar, known as Robert’s Lafitte, was one of the only businesses left standing. After the owner and his friends saw that the building still

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-16666492451046624532009-03-05T09:10:00.015-07:002009-03-08T13:34:12.670-07:00

UPDATE...The Illinois legislature PASSED the Civil Unions Bill HB2234. It will now go to the House floor for a full vote.Thank you to everyone who took the time to contact the committee members.I'll keep you posted on the outcome of the floor vote.----------------------------Having spread their filth and lies in California, Arizona and Florida, the Mormon church has now rallied their forces to

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-87475860109311154192009-03-03T08:52:00.021-07:002009-03-04T11:38:39.825-07:00

"The Eve of Justice: Lighting the way for the Supreme Court"UPDATE...In my posting yesterday, I forgot to mention that I spoke with John Allard of Marriage Equality Arizona and he suggested that people attending tonight's vigil should bring their own candles (if you can afford it, a few extra to share would be appreciated). You can also bring signs with messages promoting marriage

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-19646566430729235742009-03-02T09:55:00.018-07:002009-03-02T11:47:10.450-07:00

Apparently the newly anointed head of the Republican Party, Michael Steele missed NAACP's recently announced position on California's anti-gay marriage Proposition. He either missed it or just simply chose to ignore it for political expediency and to solidify his newly acquired position.In NAACP's statement, released just days before the California Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534736464596929386.post-53271926085673396652009-02-27T07:00:00.001-07:002009-02-27T07:00:01.331-07:00

In a debate over a bill to extend health benefits to same-sex partners of state employees, Colorado state Senator Scott Renfroe equated homosexuality with murder.LezGetReal.com reported:Quoting the Bible on the Senate floor, Renfroe said gays are an “abomination” and an “offense to God” … “have committed a detestable act and they shall surely be put to death,” and then went on to compare

Steve Krotzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16496078896515900626noreply@blogger.com0