All posts filed under: International

“Marriage is a relationship between a man and a woman" says Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu

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Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu believes that marriage should stay between a man and a women and centuries of tradition should not be overturned by gay marriage. Sentamu, the second most senior cleric in the Church of England doesn’t however, object to Civil Partnerships but in an interview with the Telegraph recently referred to them as being ‘friendships.’ “We supported Civil Partnerships because I believe that friendships are good for everybody” he said. “If you genuinely would like the registration of civil partnerships to happen in a more general way, most people will say they can see the drift. But if you begin to call those ‘marriage’, you’re trying to change the English language.” Peter Tatchell, the co-ordinator of the Equal Love campaign disagrees with Sentamu’s opinions. “It is not a Christian value to demand legal discrimination against gay couples and to treat them as inferior, second-class citizens with fewer rights than everyone else.” For the further information on the story visit The Telegraph and The Gaurdian.

Starbucks: A Supporter of Gay Marriage Legislation

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Starbucks published a statement January 24 showing their support for gay marriage legislation in the state House and Senate, Washington, DC. The growing list of Corporation support also includes Microsoft. Such support is aiding in the attempts for full marriage equality in Washington. The Starbucks statement reads as follows: To: U.S. partners Date: January 24, 2012 Re: A Message from Kalen Holmes: Starbucks Supports Marriage Equality Dear partners, Starbucks is proud to join other leading Northwest employers in support of Washington State legislation recognizing marriage equality for same-sex couples. Starbucks strives to create a company culture that puts our partners first, and our company has a lengthy history of leading and supporting policies that promote equality and inclusion. This important legislation is aligned with Starbucks business practices and upholds our belief in the equal treatment of partners. It is core to who we are and what we value as a company. We are proud of our Pride Alliance Partner Network group, which is one of the largest Employer Resource Groups for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender …

Olivia Newton-John: Her Support for Marriage Equality

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Olivia Newton-John; much loved Australian Actress, has publicly given her support for marriage equality recently. She joined other celebrities including Hugh Jackman, film critics David Stratton and Margaret Pomeranz, and costume designer Lizzy Gardiner in her pledge. “With respect to marriage equality I believe that no one has the right to judge and deny couples who love each other the ability to make a marriage commitment. Love is love,” Newton-John said. Australian screenwriter and director Stephan Elliott is said to be announcing the support of more high profile Australians at a marriage equality fundraiser this week. Many welcomed the support including Australian Marriage Equality National Convener Alex Greenwich. “Australians admire celebrities like Olivia Newton-John and Hugh Jackman because they reflect our values of tolerance and a fair go for all, values which they are reminding us apply just as much to same sex couples as to other Australians,” Mr Greenwich said.

Trevor Project Volunteer Completes Suicide

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Eric James Borges, a volunteer with The Trevor Project (a crisis intervention organization) completed suicide January 11, 2012. The death of the 19 year old was very unexpected by all, with Borges having uploaded an ‘It Gets Better’ video on YouTube only very recently. In the video he talked about his childhood, the bullying he endured and the loss of his family because of his sexual orientation. “My mother knew I was gay and performed an exorcism on me in an attempt to cure me. My anxiety, depression, self-loathing and suicidal thoughts spiked. I had nowhere safe to go, either at home or school,” Borges said. “You will love and be loved and I love you. You have an entire life, fit to burst with opportunities ahead of you. Don’t ever give up and don’t ever for one second think that you’re not a valuable and beautiful contribution to this world. It gets better.” Laura McGuinnis, a spokeswoman for the Trevor Project told The Washington Post that because he was working with suicide prevention he knew the counselling …

‘True Colors’ Romney Attack Ad leaves Cyndi Lauper Unhappy

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Cyndi Lauper, has expressed her disapproval after her ever popular hit “True Colors” was used in a negative political campaign ad against Mitt Romney. Not only was she unhappy about the unauthorised use of the song, associated most commonly and positively with the LGBTQ community, but also that it had been used in a negative rather than positive context. “While I am in no way a fan of Mitt Romney, my music is meant to lift people up, especially ‘True Colors.’ The song has been a tremendous source of healing and acceptance for so many people and for it to be used in such a negative way dishonors its history and intention” said Lauper. “I am a huge supporter of President Obama and his re-election, but I have let the responsible party know how disappointed I am the song was used and asked that it be removed from the ad.”

Self Evident Truths – A Project About Equality

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Did you know that in 29 states in the USA you can legally be fired for your sexuality? Self Evident Truths is a project that began in 2010 by New York City artist iO Tillett Wright who brings to light such facts. She aims to take portraits of anyone who remotely fits into the LGBTQ spectrum showing “the humanity that exists in every one of us through the simplicity of a face.” The project aims to capture the faces of over 4000 people all over the US, having started NYC at 300. “All men are created equal, it’s written in the Declaration of Independence. We’re failing as a nation to uphold the morals upon which we were founded,” says Wright. “This is my contribution to the civil rights fight of my generation.” To find out more about the project and how you can get involved click here.

Cardinal Francis George Apologizes to the LGBT Community

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Cardinal Francis George has apologized to the LGBT Community for comparing them to the Ku Klux Klan. “I am truly sorry for the hurt my remarks have caused, particularly because we all have friends or family members who are gay and lesbian,” said Cardinal George according to the Chicago Tribune. “This has evidently wounded a good number of people. I have family members myself who are gay and lesbian, so it’s part of our lives. So I’m sorry for the hurt.” Chris Pett, president of Dignity Chicago, an LGBT Catholic organization welcomed the apology. “As we know him as our bishop, we know that it is sincere and that he will work to avoid making such damaging and hurtful remarks in the future,” said Pett. Truth Wins Out, an organization running a petition for Cardinal George’s resignation are still unhappy with his original statement and have placed a full page ad in the Chicago Tribune. There has been no mention from Cardinal George about resigning from his position. To see the original article click here.

LGBT community vs Ku Klux Klan?

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Chicago’s Archbishop Francis George compared the LGBT community to the Ku Klux Klan recently in a dispute leading up to the annual gay pride parade in June. The dispute at hand was the result of a complaint from a priest, claiming the pride parade would interfere with morning services. “You know, you don’t want the Gay Liberation Movement to morph into something like the Ku Klux Klan, demonstrating in the streets against Catholicism,” said the Archbishop in a Fox news interview. Not for profit organisation Truth Wins Out has launched a petition because of this comparison. “It is outrageous that Cardinal George would place law-abiding, peaceful citizens in the same category as a notoriously violent hate group,” said Truth Wins Out’s Executive Director Wayne Besen. “George’s resignation is his only road to redemption and if he has a shred of dignity and a sliver of class he will immediately step down.” For more information about the petition click here.