Legislation that would legalize same-sex marriages in Maryland was approved Thursday afternoon by a Senate committee, easily clearing the first hurdle needed for passage this year by the General Assembly.
The 7-to-4 vote by the Judicial Proceedings Committee sends the bill the Senate floor, where a lengthy and emotional debate is expected next week on the most high-profile social issue facing lawmakers during their 90-day session.
Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. (D-Calvert) predicted Thursday that the bill narrowly would pass in his chamber. The legislation next would move to the House of Delegates, traditionally the more liberal chamber on social policy.
Maryland would join the District and five other states in allowing marriages between same-sex couples...
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Hawaii |'Historic' bill OK'd by Senate, February 17, 2010 - Honolulu Star-Advertiser
Until yesterday, Tim Earhart had never been to the Legislature to witness a hearing, floor vote or any other action related to civil unions.
The president of Dignity USA-Honolulu, who founded what he called the first "gay church" when he moved to Hawaii 41 years ago, was moved to tears at what he witnessed.
"I, with my own two eyes and ears, got to witness this historic moment when lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning people are now elevated to the status of ordinary citizens," said Earhart, 64. Photo
"We no longer have to apologize for loving one another."
More than seven months after Republican Gov. Linda Lingle vetoed a similar measure, civil-unions supporters celebrated at the state Capitol because the Senate gave final legislative approval to a bill that clears the way for same-sex couples to receive virtually all the same rights and benefits of traditional marriage. Photo By a vote of 18-5, the chamber approved Senate Bill 232, legalizing civil unions in Hawaii.
The measure now goes to Gov. Neil Abercrombie, who supports civil unions and has promised to sign the bill into law…
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New Book Makes Catholic Case FOR Gay Marriage
February 14, 2011, New Ways Ministry
Press Release
BALTIMORE--Catholics' strong support for marriage equality for lesbian and gay couples is the thesis of a new book which examines this controversial topic from theological and political perspectives.
Marriage Equality: A Positive Catholic Approach by Francis DeBernardo will be launched at a press conference on Saturday, February 19, 2011, 3:15 p.m., Hilton Pikesville Hotel, 1726 Reisterstown Road, Baltimore, Maryland. The book is published by New Ways Ministry, a national Catholic organization which works for justice and equality for lesbian and gay people. DeBernardo serves as New Ways Ministry's Executive Director.
Written in question and answer format, the book dispels the myth that Catholic lay people follow the bishops' public opposition to same-gender marriage. Quite the opposite is true, with Catholic people leading all Christian denominations in their support for lesbian/gay rights.
The book examines the particular case in Maryland, where marriage equality legislation is currently being considered by state lawmakers. With a population that is 23% Catholic (the largest denomination in the state), Maryland is a good barometer for the Catholic electorate nationally. As the author points out, a 2009 poll indicates that the strong support for same-gender marriage among Maryland's Catholic population mirrors national statistics for Catholics as well. (A plurality of 49% of Maryland Catholics favor legislative action that would allow gay and lesbian couples to marry.)
In addition to statistical information, the book makes the case, based on theological evidence and church documents, that the views of lay people are authentically Catholic positions. It describes some of the ways that Catholic attitudes about sexuality have been changing over the past several decades, with an emerging consensus that same-gender relationships are holy and should be legalized.
The main text of the book is interspersed with statements from Catholic Marylanders, explaining why they have taken a positive stand towards marriage equality. Some prominent names include: Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, former lieutenant governor of Maryland, State Senate Majority Leader Rob Garagiola, State Delegates Heather Mizeur, Joseline Pena-Melnyk, and Kriselda Valderrama, and College Park City Councilman Patrick Wojahn. Three Catholic religious Sisters also offer testimonials: Sister Hope Bauerlin, a long-time social justice advocate; Sister Jeannine Gramick, a pioneer in pastoral ministry to lesbian and gay Catholics; and Sister Maureen Fiedler, host of the National Public Radio show, Interfaith Voices. Lesbian gay couples and single people, as well as their parents, also are represented.
The book release press conference follows a daylong meeting of Maryland Catholics on the topic of marriage equality, at the same location, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information about the book, the author, the daylong meeting, or New Ways Ministry, please contact 301-277-5674, director@newwaysministry.org, www.newwaysministry.org.
Learn more:
EDUCATION of ALL the FACTS – Safeguards - Gay Marriage/Same Sex Marriage/ Marriage Equality From REPEAL - The CENTRAL ROUTE To Decision-Making - Permanent Change In Attitude - ELABORATION LIKELIHOOD MODEL
Elaboration Likelihood Model
The Elaboration Likelihood Model states that there are two routes through which persuasive messages are processed:
the CENTRAL ROUTE, which provides complete information and is straightforward, and
the PERIPHERAL ROUTE, which uses means like catchy tunes, colors, and celebrity endorsements.
Elaboration Likelihood Model
Description
There are two ways we make decisions and hence get persuaded:
When we are motivated and able to pay attention, we take a logical, conscious thinking, central route to decision-making. This can lead to permanent change in our attitude as we adopt and elaborate upon the speaker’s arguments.
In other cases, we take the peripheral route. Here we do not pay attention to persuasive arguments but are swayed instead by surface characteristics such as whether we like the speaker. In this case although we do change, it is only temporary (although it is to a state where we may be susceptible to further change).
ATTITUDES AND ATTITUDE CHANGE
The Nature and Origin of Attitudes
The Central and Peripheral Routes to Persuasion
�� The elaboration likelihood model of persuasion (Petty & Cacioppo, 1986; Petty et al., 2005), specifies when people will be influenced by what the speech says (i.e., the logic of the arguments) and when they will be influenced by more superficial characteristics (e.g., who gives the speech or how long it is).
Central Route to Persuasion
��When people are motivated and have the ability to pay attention to the arguments in the communication.
Peripheral Route to Persuasion
��When people do not pay attention to the arguments but are instead swayed by surface characteristics.
The Central and Peripheral Routes to Persuasion
�� Compared to people who base their attitudes on peripheral cues, people who base their attitudes on a careful analysis of the arguments will be:
�� More likely to maintain this attitude over time,
�� More likely to behave consistently with this attitude,
�� More resistant to counter persuasion.
Persuasion and attitude change
Persuasion
Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM)
Factors in Persuasion
1. The Communicator
a. credibility
b. likeability
2. The Communication
a. mood
b. 2 sides or 1 side
c. which side first?
d. Multiple sources
e. Mode of presentation
3. The Audience
Influencing Techniques
Avoid Attitude Change
Behavior and Attitude Change
Persuasion – the process of changing attitudes.
Persuasion
Dual-Process Approach
Elaboration-Likelihood Model (Petty & Caccioppo, 1986)
•Central route
•Peripheral route
Persuasion and attitude change - Definition
Cognitive Routes: A message can appeal to an individuals cognitive evaluation to help change an attitude. In the central route to persuasion the individual is presented with the data and motivated to evaluate the data and arrive at an attitude changing conclusion. In the peripheral route to attitude change, the individual is encouraged to not look at the message content, but at the source characteristics…
Central and Peripheral Routes to Persuasion:
An Individual Difference Perspective
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
1986, Vol. 51, No 5. 1032=1043
Elaboration Likelihood Model
The Central Route to Persuasion is marked by high elaboration (Shavitt & Brock, 1994). Elaboration is defined as the factor that relates information in a persuasive message to knowledge already possessed in order to arrive at new ideas that were not already present in the advertisement or stored in previous knowledge (Cafferata & Tybout, 1989). The ultimate goal of elaboration is to judge whether the position taken in the persuasive message has any real merit. The thoughts and responses that a person has in response to a message are called cognitive responses. In generating cognitive responses, a person is able to analyze the merit of the position taken (Shavitt & Brock, 1994).
In order to evaluate a message, a person must be motivated and able. If they have both the motivation and the ability, a person can carefully appraise the message’s merit. It is important to know that appraisal varies from person to person and situation to situation (Cafferata & Tybout, 1989)…
Influence Theories
Cognitive Dissonance Theory
The Key Points:
People seek consistency in their lives.
People are sensitive to contradictions and inconsistencies.
Dissonance (discomfort, guilt, doubt) fosters attitude change.
"Authoritarian ≠ Authoritative,
Benedict XVI Unsubstantiated Antigay Teachings ≠ Well-informed Conscience"
AUTHORITARIAN ≠ AUTHORITATIVE
The section above from the Catechism of the Catholic Church clarifies the responsibility of each individual to actively educate him or herself in the life long process of maintaining a well-informed conscience. A key principle in the Catechism is the understanding of the authoritative teachings of the Church. Authoritativeauthority is based on “substantiated or supported by documentary evidence and accepted by most authorities in a field: an authoritative edition of Shakespeare; an authoritative treatment of a subject.” This is a major difference fromauthoritarian authority “favoring complete obedience or subjection to authority as opposed to individual freedom: authoritarian principles; authoritarian attitudes.” Photo
Benedict XVI is an authoritarian leader, which goes against the teachings of the Catholic Church. Benedict XVI history of homosexual activity is an authoritarian approach, he demands complete obedience to his teaching on homosexuality, though his teaching is not “substantiated or supported by documentary evidence and accepted by most authorities in a field.” With all due respect, Benedict XVI describes homosexual orientation using terms as “intrinsically evil,” “intrinsically disordered,” “condemnation of homosexuality,” "deep-seated," "objectively disordered," or to “sublimate one’s sexuality” none of which are substantiated or based on any accepted authorities in the entire world. This makes Benedict XVI and all those who blindly follow him who publicly speak against homosexual orientation totally liable for the psychological and physical harm they cause to millions of children and adults. Benedict XVI and all who blindly follow his teaching on homosexuality are being unfaithful and disobedient to Catholic teachings. A true Catholic, a follower of Jesus Christ, requires that every individual be personally responsible to put in the effort of acquiring a well-informed conscience on homosexuality and human sexuality. By not doing this and then speaking against homosexuality is a grievous sin against God and all of humanity. "They are blind guides of the blind and if a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit" Matt:15:14. What makes this sin worst is that it harms millions of children. Jesus was most clear about the importance of children, so before anyone speaks out publicly against homosexuals be sure, be very sure you have done and are continually doing your homework thoroughly studying both the science and biblical understanding of homosexuality.
Read complete report:
Gay Marriage & Galileo:
Pope described as …"so averse to anything intellectual that everyone has to play dense and ignorant to gain his favor"-- The Trial of Galileo
by Douglas O. Linder (2002)
University Of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) School Of Law
Hate Crime Bill vs Attacks
But
No Facts -> Fear And Ignorance
The Blind Leading The Blind
October 27, 2009
Fr. Marty Kurylowicz, Thalamus Center
The bible in fact does not condemn Galileo or homosexuality, which science reveals that are normal elements of nature and human sexuality.
People for whatever reason seem to be using the bible to hide from their own personal sexual issues. This is a sacrilege! It is a total disrespect for the bible to be used to hide and harm innocent people, most especially children. These people do not check out the facts about the bible and science on homosexuality, because in truth they do not want to know the truth.
Even in discourse with people who believe that homosexuality is evil because they say the bible states it to be, as with Galileo, they are not interested in a discussion, they do not want to hear the truth. They only want to discredit the truth, in every conceivable way, by whatever means available to them. They are likely doing what they have been doing all their lives regarding their personal fears about the truth of their sexuality. There is nothing to be gain to be in discourse with such people. In fact, they should be avoided, because they are harmful. Because no matter what they say or how violently they say it, it will not cause the sun to revolve around the earth or for homosexuality to be evil. Photo NASA
ATTACKS and absolutely no FACTS
from the bible or science
It is a waste of time for you and for them, besides being seriously harmed by their "unchecked meanness" towards others. If and when they do their homework and truly study both the bible and the science regarding homosexuality and human sexuality then there could be a productive discourse. Otherwise, there are no discussions with them; only continuous personal attacks on the person who opposes them that are fierce, cruel and hurtful. Likely, in the way they treat themselves, which may have started when they were treated in such fashion, in their past.
Even Jesus advised leaving them because, as he said, "they are the blind leading the blind" Matthew 15:14. And it is these people who are worried that their freedom of speech will be curtailed, by the new additions to the Hate-Crime Bill. It is only their ability to remain in darkness that is being curtailed, which is greatly more fearful to them, than their concerns about their freedom of speech. They have attacks but absolutely no facts, all motivated by fear and a self-imposed ignorance of the facts. This is the same for Benedict XVI and his hierarchy you never hear any stated facts regarding human sexuality. None!!! They offer absolutely "no" discussion or classes on the topic of human sexuality. None!!! They offer no detailed documentation regarding human sexuality from the bible or science. None!!! Because they know only too well that it would not be approved by scripture scholars or by any scientific studies. Where is the truth, not to mention the LOVE? Photo
Their attacks are likely meant to be distractions to stay off the issue, because any attempts to keep them on the issue are met with fiercer and even more vicious attacks, but no facts, like an obsession. They seem to be like a child throwing a hysterical tantrum, however, unlike a child, they are able to cause serious harm to innocent people. It is this violence that the Hate-Crime Bill is designed to protect people from.
It is the intensity of their forcefulness to attack others without any substantiated facts to support their position that draws public attention to question their sexuality. It is like so many public figures who so forcefully have spoken out against homosexuality and then are found in "public restrooms" engaging in homosexual acts. Today, not only are more people "coming out" of the "closet" but there is an enormous ever growing number of Allies supporting LGBT people and their civil rights. It is the continuous education on human sexuality that keeps this number growing strong. However, it is also becoming more noticeable when someone protest too much against homosexuals with the absence of factural data to support the protesting that catches peoples attention and causes people to wonder, why? What causes this person to protest so strongly, because no valid facts are given?
What should be top priority is the life harm that is caused to children, who grow up LGBT and sadly it is not even considered of any importance. The Bible is about Love the purest form of Love known. The Bible is not about permission to hate, to remain blind or to harm people, especially very young children.
Related links:
Institutionalized STRUCTURAL VIOLENCE
– Vatican’s UNSUBSTANTIATED ANTIGAY TEACHINGS
- severe harm lasting throughout a child’s lifetime | Benedict XVI & Hierarchy CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE COVER-UPS | Social Responsibility
Impending rules
on gay priests create Catholic divide
by Charles Honey – October 8, 2005
The Grand Rapids Press
When the Rev. Martin Kurylowicz came out to his Sparta parish eight years ago, he said he had struggled for years with his homosexuality.Photo
The Catholic priest says the struggle would be made harder for many others if the Vatican issues new rules that reportedly would ban gays from becoming priests…
…"I sizzled when I read it," said Kurylowicz, 55. "It's very hurtful, is what it is. In this day and age, there's no reason for it. It sends a message that there's something wrong with gays."
Kurylowicz said he spoke out then to raise awareness of violence against gays and teach others homosexuality is not a choice but an inborn trait. Church leaders still don't understand that and contribute to gays' poor self-esteem, he said… …"Kids as young as 4 or 5 know they're different," said Kurylowicz, a psychotherapist… "They grow up with this pervasive guilt, which sabotages their growth and motivation." The result is thousands of dollars in therapy to accept their natural orientation, he said, adding, "Does the Vatican want to take that on, like the tobacco industry had to take on for the damage it caused consumers? "… Photo
Read complete article:
by Charles Honey
Religion Editor
The Grand Rapids Press – Archives
Gay Protester “…our protest was against the LEADERSHIP of the Catholic church and NOT the Catholic laity, a majority of whom SUPPORT equal rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.”
Andy Thayer - Gay Liberation Network (www.GayLiberation.net),
CHICAGO – February 14, 2011
A Gay Protester Responds to Cardinal George's Criticism
by Andy Thayer
Gay Liberation Network (www.GayLiberation.net)
CHICAGO – February 14, 2011
Huffington Post
Chicago's Cardinal Francis George recently took pro-gay activists to task for our protest Sunday morning in front of Holy Name Cathedral against his anti-gay policies. Cardinal George issued the following statement:
Some members of the Gay Liberation Network [GLN] demonstrated in front of Holy Name Cathedral on Sunday, February 13, protesting against Catholic Church teaching on the immorality of homosexual genital relations and opposition to so called 'gay marriage.'
These are deeply felt issues, because they speak to the personal identity of some and to the religious beliefs of others.
No matter the issue, Catholics should be able to worship in peace, without fear of harassment. An open display of prejudice against the Catholic Church because of resentment of Church teachings prejudices civil discourse in our society. Photo
Well, Cardinal, I beg to differ, and here's why:
1) That you feel that our protest yesterday -- a peaceful expression of 1st Amendment rights -- constitutes "harassment," shows your contempt for the free expression of opinion, which is a necessary component of democracy…
2) You lie, err "bear false witness," by saying that our protest was "against the Catholic Church." As repeated several times in written GLN statements prior to the protest, a handbill distributed at the protest, and in our public comments during the course of the protest, our protest was against the leadership of the Catholic church and not the Catholic laity, a majority of whom support equal rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. Cardinal George, while opposing our legal equality, you attempt to "play the victim" by falsely claiming that we oppose the Catholic Church in general, rather than its anti-equal rights leadership…
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Andy Thayer
is co-founder of the Gay Liberation Network (www.GayLiberation.net), a Chicago-based LGBT direct action group which has been a local leader in gay rights, anti-police brutality and anti-war organizing…
is co-founder of the Gay Liberation Network (www.GayLiberation.net), a Chicago-based LGBT direct action group which has been a local leader in gay rights, anti-police brutality and anti-war organizing…
Read more:
Gov. Quinn to 'follow conscience' on unions
by Dave McKinney,
December 2, 2010 - Sun-Times Springfield Bureau Chief
GAY RIGHTS | Says he'll sign bill despite Catholic Church criticism
(Excerpt & link below)
CATHOLICS Now Favor Allowing Gays And Lesbians To Marry Legally,
October 6, 2010 - Pew Research Center
(Excerpt & link below)
Vatican blocks gay human rights vote at the UN. - Peter Tatchell
Pope Blasts U.K. Anti-Discrimination Laws
AP – February 2, 2010
CBS News
In Speech, Benedict Raises Fears that Vatican Could Be Prosecuted for Stances Against Gay
(AP) Pope Benedict XVI weighed in against anti-discrimination laws, which have raised fears at the Vatican that the Catholic Church could be prosecuted for refusing, for example, to hire gays or transsexuals.
Benedict blasted proposed laws before the British Parliament that are intended to prevent employers from denying jobs to applicants on the grounds of gender, sexuality, age or race. Current legislation exempts religious organizations, but the planned new law would effectively apply to lay people employed by churches…
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USCCB Condemns New Ways Ministry; Gay Ministry Responds
by James Martin, S.J.
February 6, 2010, America Magazine
Francis Cardinal George, archbishop of Chicago and president of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, has denounced New Ways Ministry, a national organization based in Mt. Rainier, Maryland, which reaches out to gay and lesbian Catholics, runs conferences on issues concerning gay and lesbian Catholics, and sponsors regular retreats for that same population. (It also offers a variety of resources on its websites, such as a list of Catholic parishes where gays and lesbians would feel welcome.) Valued among the gay and lesbian Catholics, the organization and its founders (Sister Jeanine Gramick, SL, and Father Robert Nugent, SDS) have often found themselves at odds with the Catholic hierarchy. Sister Gramick and Father Nugent have been for some years officially barred "from any pastoral work involving homosexual persons," as the USCCB statement affirms. New Ways Ministry, which includes on its board and advisory board both priests and religious, said in a statement today that it was not contacted by the USCCB to explain its positions before the bishops' statement was released. Here is part of Cardinal George's statement, dated yesterday…
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The Irish Affliction
February 9, 2011 – The New York Times
…Ireland’s move away from the Catholic Church began before the reports were released. Between 1974 and 2008, regular Mass attendance dropped by some 50 percent. The situation today highlights a problem that is looming for the Vatican, especially in the West, as the global sex-abuse crisis, coupled with the increasingly conservative rule and top-down control that have prevailed since the 1970s, is contributing to the departure of populations the church once considered foundational. “Ireland is a prime example of what the church is facing, because they made this island into a concentration camp where they could control everything,” Mark Patrick Hederman, abbot of Glenstal Abbey, a Benedictine monastery in County Limerick, told me. “And the control was really all about sex. They told you if you masturbated, it meant you were impure and had allowed the devil to work on you. Generations of people were crucified with guilt complexes. Now the game is up.” Photo
…The visitation itself is seen by many as another indication that the Vatican intends not to bring reform but to exert control. “If the Vatican wanted to do a credible investigation of sexual abuse,” Thomas Doyle said, “they would not send archbishops and cardinals. These people — the church hierarchy — are the very people who have caused this problem.”…
Read complete report:
Related links:
U.S. diocese agrees to $77 million abuse settlement
February 3, 2011 - Reuters
Vatican Letter to Irish Bishops on Sex Abuse: A 'Smoking Gun' in Conspiracy?
by David Gibson,
January 19, 2011 – Politics Daily
Vatican Letter Warned Bishops on Abuse Policy
By Laurie Goodstein,
January 18, 2011 - The New York Times
Document
Irish abuse victims 'disgusted' at Vatican letter
January 19, 2010 – CNN World
Quick Facts: US church sex abuse,
February 14, 2011 - PressTV
New allegations of sexual abuse surfaced in the U.S. after a U.S. grand jury accused the Archdiocese of Philadelphia of failing to stop the sexual abuse of children more than five years after another grand jury report documented abuse by more than 50 priests.
These new allegations have brought the issue of sexual abuse by priests into the limelight. Photo
The New York Times says in October 2010, the U.S. fell in the Annual Corruption Survey. According to the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Tribal Justice, American in the United States, Roman Catholic archdioceses have collectively paid some $2 billion in settlements to victims since the priest sex scandals first erupted in Boston nearly a decade ago. In 2011, a Roman Catholic diocese in Delaware agreed to settle 142 claims of sexual abuse by priests for $77 million. Later that year, two Roman Catholic priests, a former priest and a Catholic school teacher were charged with raping young boys. 78% of the victims of sexual abuse in U.S. churches were between the ages of 11 and 17.
Time and again the Roman Catholic Church has been forced to defend itself against charges that top officials tried to cover up cases of child sexual abuse by priests.
Pope Benedict XVI himself has not been spared from these charges, especially for his actions as an archbishop and as the head of a Vatican watchdog group.
A look back at sex abuse scandals in the US…
Read complete report:
Roman Catholic - hierarchy child sexual abuse “cover-ups” ordered by Benedict XVI to avoid public outrage & criminal charges - falsely accused gay priests - WATERGATE? 12/17/09
Gay Marriage - “SEPARATION of CHURCH and STATE” Does Not Give Churches Or Benedict XVI The Freedom To Abuse Children or Adults. July 2010
Gay Love, Equality Examined in Nationwide Valentine's Day Campaign
by Devin Dwyer,
February 14, 2011 – ABC News
Gay Rights Advocates Renew Push for Same-Sex Marriage on Valentine's Day
Advocates for same-sex marriage markedValentine's Day with a nationwide campaign to tout the merits of gay love and urge greater legal protections for it.
MORE VIDEO:
WATCH: Zach Wahls on His Two Moms
WATCH: Barbara Bush Shoots Video In Support Of Gay Marriage
WATCH: Obama on Gay Marriage: 'I Struggle With This'
From California to Texas to Illinois, activists are organizing trips to courthouses and county clerks' offices to request marriage licenses, despite laws in those states and 42 others that forbid gay couples to wed. Photo
"We're going to ask for our marriage license and get denied," Rex Fender, 22, said outside a San Diego courthouse.
She wants to marry her partner of two years, Rudi Redman, 23.
"Our love is just as legitimate as everyone else's, and we want that to be recognized," she said. "On this day of love, we want people to see we're proud about our love."
Meanwhile, New York City-based advocacy group Freedom to Marry launched what it called the largest-ever national TV ad campaign aimed at educating the public on gay love and why marriage rights matter to same-sex couples…
Read complete report & view videos:
Catholics Organize to Support Gay Marriage - February 10, 2011
Español - Peru: Matrimonios homosexuales entran en agenda electoral
143 Catholic theologians in Germany demand broad church reforms, abandoning vow of celibacy
by Juergen Baetz, Associated Press,
February 4, 2011 – Los Angelus Times
Cross-party Catholic Leadership Gay Marriage Support
New England Republicans warming to, or at least ignoring, gay marriage
by Rob Anderson,
January 13, 2011 – The Boston Globe
CATHOLICS Now Favor Allowing Gays And Lesbians To Marry Legally,
October 6, 2010 - Pew Research Center
…The shift in opinion on same-sex marriage has been broad-based, occurring across many demographic, political and religious groups.
Notably, pluralities of white mainline Protestants and white Catholics now favor allowing gays and lesbians to marry legally -- the first time this has occurred in Pew Research Center surveys. Political independents are divided in their views of same-sex-marriage; in 2009, they opposed it by a wide margin…
White mainline Protestants and white Catholics have become more supportive of gay marriage, though virtually all of the change in opinion among both groups has come among those who attend services relatively infrequently.
About half (49%) of white mainline Protestants support same-sex marriage while 38% oppose this. This is a reversal of opinion from the past two years when 40% favored and 49% opposed allowing gays and lesbians to marry legally. Just 35% of white mainline Protestants who attend church at least once a week favor same-sex marriage, nearly the same percentage as in 2008-2009 (34%). Among those who attend services less often, support has increased by 11 points (from 42% to 53%).
There has been a similar shift among white Catholics -- 49% now favor same-sex marriage while 41% are opposed. Opinion was more evenly divided over the past two years (44% favor, 45% oppose). Here too, support has increased among those who attend services less than weekly, from 51% in 2008-2009 to 59% in 2010…
… Jews and the unaffiliated have remained far more supportive of same-sex marriage. Their views also have changed little during this time. Three-quarters of Jews (76%) and 62% of the religiously unaffiliated say they favor allowing gays and lesbians to marry legally…
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On the eve of Valentine's Day, protesters converge on Holy Name
by Tara Malone,
February 13, 2011 - Chicago Tribune
On the eve of Valentine's Day, Helen Moshak pinned rainbow ribbons to her white knit cap and returned to the Roman Catholic Church she left five years ago, dismayed by its opposition to gay marriage when two of her three children are gay.
The 76-year-old Skokie woman did not step foot inside Holy Name Cathedral, the storied seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago.
Nor did she join in the picket line of about 60 men and women — her son Damian Moshak and his partner among them — protesting the Catholic Church's stance on gay marriage and other stances they see as unjust to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.
Rather, Moshak stood across the street from the downtown cathedral and held a sign that read: "Catholic parents of gay kids know that all are equal before God."Photo
"I feel a bit shy. But then again, it's the right thing to do," Moshak said…
Read complete report:
Related links:
Benedict XVI UNSUBSTANTIATED Claims That
same-sex couples violates 'natural law'
Benedict XVI – MUST Provide Documentation
*
Galileo & Gay Marriage
Pope described as …"so averse to anything intellectual that everyone has to play dense and ignorant to gain his favor"
The Trial of Galileo - by Douglas O. Linder
Benedict XVI teaches that homosexual activity is sinful is
– NOT
The Catholic Church Teachings.
*
"Authoritarian ≠ Authoritative,
Unsubstantiated Antigay Teachings ≠ Well-informed Conscience"
Gov. Quinn to 'follow conscience' on unions
by Dave McKinney,
December 2, 2010 - Sun-Times Springfield Bureau Chief
GAY RIGHTS | Says he'll sign bill despite Catholic Church criticism Photo
SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois Senate Wednesday passed landmark civil unions legislation that is now headed to Gov. Quinn, who has pledged to sign it despite new church criticism he would not be a good Roman Catholic in doing so.
"Today was a great day for the people of Illinois, for the family of Illinois,'' Quinn said after the Senate's 32-24 vote for legislation that would make Illinois the sixth state to recognize civil unions between gay and lesbian couples.
The Senate's vote followed House approval Tuesday and came despite criticisms over the measure's potential cost to taxpayers, the likelihood it would lead to legalization of gay marriages and concern that it had trumped fixing the state's budget ills among legislative priorities.
Shortly after the Senate's move, the governor, who is Roman Catholic, got an earful from the head of Springfield's Catholic archdiocese, Bishop Thomas John Paprocki, who questioned Quinn's adherence to church teachings…
…Told of the bishop's statement, Quinn shrugged.
"I follow my conscience. I think everyone should do that. I think that's the most important thing to do in life, and my conscience is not kicking me in the shins today,'' the governor told reporters…
…"I have a gay daughter," said state Sen. David Koehler (D-Peoria), the bill's chief Senate sponsor, whose child, Maggie, watched the deliberations from the Senate gallery with her partner.
"I've seen this issue through the eyes of a father who has a gay child. What it means is I have one daughter amongst my three who doesn't have the same rights as the other two, and I don't understand that,'' Koehler said…
Read complete report:
Related links:
More related links:
April 12, 2006 – TIME
…Though familiar to Americans primarily as a laid-back beach destination, Jamaica is hardly idyllic. The country has the world's highest murder rate. And its rampant violence against gays and lesbians has prompted human-rights groups to confer another ugly distinction: the most homophobic place on earth…
Protects Against Suicide,
Depression & Substance Abuse
and Predicts Better Health & Self-Esteem
Caitlin Ryan, PhD
Non-profit organization that defends the
GLBT community against
anti-gay misinformation
campaigns through media advocacy
and university outreach.
Gay rights groups attack iPhone confession app for Roman Catholics - by Jamie Doward and Gabriel Stargardter, February 13, 2011 – guardian.co.uk
Human Rights,
Democracy,
Global Justice, LGBTI Freedom
Without love, there can be no liberation worthy of the name."
Peter Tatchell
Read & learn more: http://www.petertatchell.net/index.htm
Vatican blocks gay human rights vote at the UN.
is a Change.org Editor.
He is the former Communications Director for the Human Rights Program at Harvard Law School, as well as the former Director of Communications for Pax Christi USA, a national Catholic peace and justice organization… Photo
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Apple: Stand Strong Against Homophobia and Anti-Gay Discrimination - byMichael Jones - December 15, 2010 – Change.org News
Nothing in life is more precious than the intimate relationships we have with love ones. Healthy love relationships delight us give us confidence to take on challenges and support us in difficult times. Photo
"Hope of Love"
To Children In Early Childhood
March 23, 2010 – by Fr. Marty Kurylowicz
Marriage Equality, like Galileo, is the truth about the facts of growing up gay. Marriage Equality will not become a reality until people learn that its most vital purpose is that it restores the “hope of love” to children in early childhood – essential to their development and well-being for life.
Without Marriage Equality we teach children how to hate love and how to be mean and indifferent to people as adults. With all due respect, without Marriage Equality we would teach them in much the same way as has been shown by Benedict XVI and the hierarchy, especially in their lack of care and protection of children for decades.
Without Marriage Equality we teach children how to hate love and how to be mean and indifferent to people as adults. With all due respect, without Marriage Equality we would teach them in much the same way as has been shown by Benedict XVI and the hierarchy, especially in their lack of care and protection of children for decades. RELIGIOUS BELIEFS that gay and lesbian relationships are SINFUL or INFERIOR to heterosexual relationships HARM gays and lesbians. Judge Vaughn Walker Ruling Photo
California Prop 8. August 4, 2010
Theologian says much of clergy is gay
by Derek Scally,
November 22, 2010 – The Irish Times
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2010/1122/1224283832839.html
30 years - Benedict XVI Silencing Homosexuality Worldwide.
If you shut up truth and bury it under the ground, it will but grow, and gather to itself such explosive power that the day it bursts through it will blow up everything in its way. Emile ZolaWhat you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs. Luke 12:3
http://fathermartykurylowicz.blogspot.com/2010/11/30-years-of-ratzingerbenedict-xvis.html Photo book
Iowa’s Catholic Bishops urge legislators to Discriminate Against Adults and Children Who Are Gay – Bishops Lack Substantiating Evidence To Support Claim, February 9, 2011 Is Homophobia Associated With Homosexual Arousal? Photo
Vatican Asking For Male Prostitutes
“Naturam expellas furca, tamen usque recurret.”
(Though you drive Nature out with a pitchfork, she will still find her way back.)
The Vatican was today rocked by a sex scandal reaching into Pope Benedict's household after a chorister was sacked for allegedly procuringmale prostitutes for a papal gentleman-in-waiting... Photo
by Roger Boyes, Berlin,
March 25, 2010 – The Times
Despite outrage, little progress in church scandal
By Robin Washington,
January 2, 2011, Duluth News Tribune
Kids Are Being Hurt!!!
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