Pittsburgh Blog for Equality Day 2008 – a lesbian perspective

I've been wracking my brains all weekend for an approach to this day. You've read all the facts about the legislation attempting to amend the PA constitution to define marriage as between a man and a woman.  It has the potential to hurt a lot of people, gay and straight alike.  You've read all the […]

Letting the People Decide on Civil Rights .. Well, That’s Worked Out Well Hasn’t It?

Letting the People Decide on Civil Rights .. Well, That’s Worked Out Well Hasn’t It?

Michael Geer, President of the Pennsylvania Family Institute, is an ignorant pea brained jerk.  And that's me in a mellow mood.  The PG published his letter to the editor (and NOT mine).  He makes two points in response to the PG's editorial that the “marriage protection” amendment is unnecessary (and redundant) First, [t]he PG editors […]

Zen Buddhist Priest Opposes SB 1250

Zen Buddhist Priest Opposes SB 1250

Short, but sweet.  Have you written your letter to the editor, yet? Senate Bill 1250, the Pennsylvania Marriage Protection Amendment, is in direct violation of my religious beliefs as a Zen Buddhist priest (“Panel OKs Constitutional Ban on Gay Marriage,” March 19). I am a strong advocate of marriage and live under a strict ethical […]

Local Presbyterian Minister Again Faces Charges for Lesbian Wedding

Local Presbyterian Minister Again Faces Charges for Lesbian Wedding

From today's Post-Gazette: A Presbyterian minister whose 2006 church trial for conducting a lesbian marriage ceremony ended with dismissal on a technicality says she has again been brought up on the same charges. The Rev. Janet Edwards, parish associate at the inter-denominational Community of Reconciliation in Oakland, said that an investigating committee of Pittsburgh Presbytery […]

Foundation for Moral Law to Challenge PA Hate Crimes Statute

Foundation for Moral Law to Challenge PA Hate Crimes Statute

Guess who is rolling into town?  Former Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore and his posse of homo hatin' legal eagles.  Moore, you may recall, wanted to slather Alabama Courthouses with the 10 Commandments.  Ironically, he's narrowed his focus to homosexuals, a group noticeably absent from said Commandments.  Hmmm.  I guess he's moved on to Leviticus.  Anyhoo, […]

“Will of Council” on Anti-Discrimination Legislation Passes 7-0

“Will of Council” on Anti-Discrimination Legislation Passes 7-0

From my ace source comes word that the legislation endorsing the statewide effort to include sexual orientation and gender identity/expression in the Human Relations Act passed 7-0.  Motznik and Payne weren't in the room and didn't vote.  Deasy asked to be added as a cosponsor, offering that he was behind on his email as a […]

Update from City Council: Two Members not so “Willing” to support the gay community

Update from City Council:  Two Members not so “Willing” to support the gay community

From our friends at Steel City Stonewall Democrats comes word that 7 out of 9 members of City Council have agreed to support the proposed “Will of Council” which essentially gives a big thumbs up to state legislation that would include “sexual orientation” and gender identity and expression” as protected classes under the Human Relations Act.  […]

PA Marriage Protection Amendment – Again

PA Marriage Protection Amendment – Again

It's back.  Sigh.  From Equality Advocates:          On January 17, 2008, Pennsylvania State Senators started working to pass a so-called “Marriage Protection Amendment” that would amend the Pennsylvania Constitution to define marriage as solely between one man and one woman, as well as prohibit civil unions and potentially more. Please take a moment to call […]

Huckabee: Gay Marriage =s Bestiality

Huckabee:  Gay Marriage =s Bestiality

Just in case you thought Christian fringe nutjob Mike Huckabee has any redeeming qualities, here he is in an interview with beliefnet…. Is it your goal to bring the Constitution into strict conformity with the Bible? Some people would consider that a kind of dangerous undertaking, particularly given the variety of biblical interpretations.Well, I don’t […]

Peace be with you, but not you.

Peace be with you, but not you.

Dolores S. Jarrell of Peters takes umbrage with a PG Op/Ed critiquing Pope Benedict's priorities of peace. Michael Kerlin's “In Search of Peace?” (Dec. 30 Forum) was filled with more than its share of animus. He reported trembling at the “implications” of the pope's peace message, “The Human Family, A Community of Peace”; suggested parallels […]