Full of hate for the LGBT, Evangelical leader Scott Lively wants gays to live like they did in the 1940s and '50s, on the margins of society, full of shame

AZ lawmakers on the verge of passing a law that legalizes discrimination against LGBT based on "sincerely held religious beliefs." Pro-segregationists made the argument in the 1950s

From Joe.My.God

By a vote of 17-13, yesterday afternoon the Arizona Senate approved a bill that would legalize anti-gay discrimination on the basis of "sincerely held religious beliefs." 

The vote along party lines, with Republicans in the majority, came after supporters defeated an attempt to extend existing employment laws that bar discrimination based on religion and race to also include sexual orientation. Sen. Steve Yarbrough, R-Chandler, said that's a separate issue from what he is trying to do. But Sen. Steve Gallardo, D-Phoenix, said that's precisely the issue. "The bill opens the door for discrimination against gays and lesbians," he said. Yarbrough, however, said foes of SB 1062 are twisting what his legislation says. "This bill is not about discrimination," he said. "It's about preventing discrimination against people who are clearly living out their faith."

The Arizona House, where Republicans outnumber Democrats by 36-24, will debate the bill this afternoon.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni says he will sign "jail the gays" bill, declaring “war on the homosexual lobby”. President Obama warns Uganda...

President Obama is not pleased.

As a country and a people, the United States has consistently stood for the protection of fundamental freedoms and universal human rights. We believe that people everywhere should be treated equally, with dignity and respect, and that they should have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential, no matter who they are or whom they love.

That is why I am so deeply disappointed that Uganda will shortly enact legislation that would criminalize homosexuality. The Anti-Homosexuality Bill in Uganda, once law, will be more than an affront and a danger to the gay community in Uganda. It will be a step backward for all Ugandans and reflect poorly on Uganda’s commitment to protecting the human rights of its people. It also will mark a serious setback for all those around the world who share a commitment to freedom, justice and equal rights.

As we have conveyed to President Museveni, enacting this legislation will complicate our valued relationship with Uganda. At a time when, tragically, we are seeing an increase in reports of violence and harassment targeting members of the LGBT community from Russia to Nigeria, I salute all those in Uganda and around the world who remain committed to respecting the human rights and fundamental human dignity of all persons.

Quote of the day, on the GOP, Christianists, and LGBT equality

If you were devising a strategy to make the Republicans look like the Bull Connors of our time, you just stumbled across a winner. If you wanted a strategy to define gay couples as victims and fundamentalist Christians as oppressors, you’ve hit the jackpot. In a period when public opinion has shifted decisively in favor of gay equality and dignity, Kansas and the GOP have decided to go in precisely the opposite direction. The week that the first openly gay potential NFL player came out, the GOP approved a bill that would prevent him from eating in restaurants in the state, if he ever mentioned his intention to marry or just shack up with his boyfriend. Really, Republicans? That’s the party you want? As for the allegedly Christian nature of this legislation, let’s not mince words. This is the inversion of Christianity.

-- Andrew Sullivan on the proposed GOP legislation in Kansas that would allow businesses to refuse service to LGBT people.

The cold, hard reality of being gay in Russia: Human Rights Watch shows the anti-gay violence of the Olympics' host country

Madiba reminded us that hatred is learned

Quote of the day, about the National Organization for Marriage

"Like a candidate losing every primary, you wonder how long the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) can hold on. It’s now in the red to the tune of more than a million dollars. What exactly does NOM do as voters in state after state decide to expand marriage to gay couples? There aren’t enough states for a constitutional amendment. It’s no longer a matter of judicial activism, but a sea change in public opinion that is propelling the legal shift. How many contests does NOM lose before it — or its donors — figures out the argument is not going to carry the day?"

 - Jennifer Rubin, right-wing columnist for the Washington Post.

The Catholic Church-supported NOM has a hissy fit when Chris Christie stops fighting marriage equality in NJ. These guys don't realize they are on a sinking ship; Christie did.