reBlog from lezgetreal.com: Caucus Letter to President, House, and Senate Leadership; Now- Melanie Nathan: “this makes the Case for UAFA as an Urgent Stand Alone!”

Image via Wikipedia

From my Lezgetreal post:-

Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Congressmen Barney Frank (D- MA), Jared Polis (D-CO), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Mike Honda (D-CA), and Mike Quigley (D-IL), joined by more than 50 Members of the LGBT Equality Caucus, the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus have sent a letter to President Obama and House and Senate leaders expressing their strong support for a comprehensive immigration reform bill that would end discrimination against LGBT binational families.    “There is simply no place for discrimination in America,” said Congresswoman Baldwin.  “LGBT families are being torn apart by inequitable immigration laws that deny same sex married couples and domestic partners the same rights and obligations as their married heterosexual neighbors.  As we tackle comprehensive immigration reform, it’s imperative that we end discriminatory laws that hurt couples, their children and extended families, and their communities and employers,” Baldwin said.   “We are a nation of immigrants and, as a result, our diversity is our greatest strength,” said Congressman Polis.  “Unfortunately, our out-dated immigration system contains laws that discriminate against LGBT families and hinder our economy, our diversity, and our status as a beacon of hope and liberty to people across the world.  To be truly comprehensive and achieve real, long-lasting reform, we must provide all domestic partners and married couples the same rights and obligations in any immigration legislation,” Polis said.   “Comprehensive immigration reform will only be truly comprehensive if it includes LGBT families,” said Congressman Nadler.  “We must take the government out of the businesses of singling out LGBT families for discriminatory treatment and live up to our democratic ideal of equality under the law.  I join my colleagues in calling on Congress and the White House to include the Uniting American Families Act, which I have introduced in every Congress since 2000, in any immigration reform legislation and end discrimination against binational LGBT families,” Nadler said.   “As Vice Chair of the Equality Caucus, I am excited to support the Caucus’s call for comprehensive immigration reform,” said Congressman Honda.  “Last June, I included same-sex permanent partners in my Reuniting Families Act, H.R. 2709, because the reunification of all families must be the cornerstone of our immigration policy.  That the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Black Caucus, and Progressive Caucus, stand beside the Asian Caucus, which I chair, in this call for reform reminds me of the diversity of communities affected by our broken immigration system.  The time to help our economy, reunite our families, all our families, and to live up to our values as a nation of immigrants is now,” Honda said.   “It saddens me to think that the struggle for immigration reform, a movement based on the fundamental principles of equality and the decent treatment of every human being, could push on without including LGBT families,” said Congressman Quigley.  “If we are to truly consider a proposal deemed ‘comprehensive,’ we must include everyone. The beauty of America is that somewhere in each of our lineages, someone made the choice to come here, to a country built on fairness and justice.  We must continue to honor that tradition not just for some, but for all,” Quigley said.   Under current law, LGBT Americans are unable to sponsor their spouses or partners for legal residency in the U.S. and, as a result, tens of thousands of binational families are either living separately, facing imminent separation, or have left the U.S. entirely in order to remain together.  This policy often separates children from a parent, causes businesses to lose valuable employees, and forces state, local and the federal government to lose hardworking taxpayers.   A California mother of two who has been with her American citizen partner for 23 years, Shirley Tan, was detained by immigration and faces future deportation.  Ms. Tan, who is also the primary caregiver for her partner’s elderly mother, faces the very real possibility of being torn away from her family unless immigration reform includes LGBT couples, too.    In Wisconsin, a valued language teacher, Lucie Ferrari, was forced to leave the country causing her American partner (they are legally married in Canada) to give up her job as a neighborhood organizer and leave as well, so they could be together.    In Minnesota, an American citizen is currently considering closing her small business – which generates more than one million dollars annually – so that she can leave the country in order to be with her Malaysian partner.   In Vermont, a physician who worked with wounded troops at a local Veterans Administration medical facility recently quit his job, and moved to a part-time position elsewhere, so he will be able to travel frequently to South America to be with his partner.   Each of these stories is heart-wrenching and damaging to many, many lives and, unfortunately, all too common.  Every day, loving, hard-working families are torn apart because of discriminatory immigration laws.    The Members call on President Obama, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Immigration, Refugees and Border Security, Chuck Schumer, and Chair of the House Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law, Zoe Lofgren, to include the Uniting American Families Act (H.R. 1024/S. 424) in any comprehensive immigration reform legislation.lezgetreal.com, Caucus Letter to President, House, and Senate Leadership; Now- Melanie Nathan: “this makes the Case for UAFA as an Urgent Stand Alone!”, Feb 2010

You should read the whole article.

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Reblog from Me at LGR BREAKING: SHOCKING REALITY- Senator Chuck Schumer Is Planning To Exclude Gay And Lesbians From Immigration Reform Bill.

SHOCKING REALITY  -  Schumer – NO UAFA in CIR…

Current law precludes LGBT couples from sponsoring spouses for immigration.  Many tens of thousands of LGBT families are caught in the quagmire of an anomaly created by the unconstitutional Defense of Marriage Act, which pits State law against the Federal law, giving couples the right to marry in certain States and then denying the American spouse the (equal) right to sponsor her/his same-sex spouse under the existing imBREAKING: SHOCKING REALITY- Senator Chuck Schumer Is Planning To Exclude Gay And Lesbians From Immigration Reform Bill., Jan 2010migration laws.

You should read the whole article.

State of the Union: President Obama Admonishes Republicans

 by Melanie Nathan, January 27, 2010.  The President’s State of  the Union Address was uplifting, sincere and an earnest attempt to deliver the imperative message - There is hope but the Republicans better get off their campaign trail and into Congress.   As I looked across the Republican side all I saw was a bunch of fuddy duddy old white men who all looked the same, totally baffled by their own purpose.  I thought, ‘yup the lockstep clan.’   It was the first time I have ever seen such an admonishment in a State of the Union.Ronald, State of the Union: President Obama Admonishes Republicans, Jan 2010

You should read the whole article.

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reBlog from Melanie Nathan,: LT Dan Choi: “Time for Talk Over” DADT Now! – Sign Petition.

 Last night, the President repeated his campaign commitment to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” as part of his State of the Union address. While the President promised that DADT would come to an end “this year,” he did not provide specifics — and the White House still has not released a plan to kill it. That’s unacceptable.

You should read the whole article. see

Melanie Nathan,, LT Dan Choi: “Time for Talk Over” DADT Now! – Sign Petition., Jan 2010

Scott Cody Regan Campaign Needs $30,000 tonight,

www.lezgetreal.com

Shirley Tan Keynote Speaker at Marin Human Rights Commision MLK Humaitarian Award Dinner.

By Melanie Nathan.    1/23/10
Shirley Tan did a formidable job when presenting her profound story to a very moved and emotional mainstream audience at the MLK Award dinner in marin County on Thursday night.  As a Commissioner on the Human Rights Commission, I was so proud to introduce Shirl as well as Jay Mercado her spouse and their twin sons.  They were warmly received and I really believe people sitting in the 260 people audience, including elected official and legislative staffers, may not have previouslyhad an opportunity to hear just how USA LGBT community is impacted by the lack of equality under our immigration law .

The Offices of Mark Leno, Lynn Woolsey, Jared Huffman were well represented.

Haiti Israelis First on the Scene and Immediately Effective

The Israelis never cease to amaze me.

Not only do they carry so much inventive brain power but they have the guts and energy to show up. When they show up they know exactly what they are doing and they do it well.    Arriving first into Haiti and able to roll a fully operative ER room – right off the plane, their expert surgeons began the humongous task of taking care of the injured.

No other Country not even USA was able to be so prompt and organized.  The Pharma Company TEVA donated $7 million dollars of Pharma and medical products.  They are now offering to take as many of the estimated 30,000 young orphans into loving adoptive Israeli Families.

The Torah teaches that Tzedakah and Mitzvot are paramount to the function of a Jewish person and the Jewish People be it Diaspora or Israel have always heeded the call.

Todah Raba, Israel!   B’Shalom,  Posted by Melanie Nathan.

Breaking – Largest Fair Housing Settlement since ACT amended in 1988

Posted by Melanie Nathan 1/21/10 : Marin County – As Chair of Fair Housing of Marin’s Legal Committee, one of the Plaintiff’s that brought the action,  I am very pleased to provide this press release from the Attorneys Representing Fair Housing in this case.    I  also want to thank all those involved who worked so hard to make this happen.  Nancy Kenyon you provided great leadership, as did the Committee and Board at FHOM.  www.fairhousingmarin.org

Relman & Dane Breaking News     Relman & Dane, PLLC is pleased to announce one of the largest Fair Housing Act design and construction settlements since the Act was amended in 1988.  Judge Saundra Armstrong of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California has approved a settlement in National Fair Housing Alliance et al v. A.G. Spanos Construction Co., et al, requiring Defendants  to retrofit 12,300 apartment units and adjacent common areas at 82 apartment complexes in 11 states to ensure that they are accessible to people with disabilities.  Defendants will also contribute nearly $5 million to establish funds around the country to improve accessibility in non-Spanos buildings.  The total value of the settlement, including damages and attorneys’ fees, is estimated to be nearly $15 million.   The litigation commenced in June 2007, after an extensive investigation by NFHA and  four of its members  uncovered substantial architectural barriers at dozens of properties built by Spanos, including stairs at apartment entrances, inaccessible common areas, thresholds impassable by wheelchair users, and kitchens and bathrooms lacking accessible appliances and features.    Under the settlement, NFHA, Fair Housing of Marin, Fair Housing Napa Valley, Metro Fair Housing Services of Atlanta, and the Fair Housing Continuum of Melbourne, Florida will administer the accessibility funds to provide grants to disabled veterans, seniors, and other people with disabilities whose homes lack accessible features.   Beyond the relief secured in this litigation,  the size and scope  of this settlement should send a clear message  to the design, development, and building industries that violations of  accessibility requirements carry significant financial risks.   Relman & Dane currently represents fair housing groups around the country in several other major FHA design and construction cases.  Michael Allen, Steve Dane and Tom Keary of Relman & Dane litigated the Spanos case  on behalf of NFHA and the four NFHA member plaintiffs. Posted by Melanie Nathan/ Chair of Legal Committee for Fair Housing of Marin, -

ZumreBlog from lezgetreal.com: Outrage – Zuma Appoints Homophobic Ambassador to UGANDA

 I wrote this LGR today Please Write Secretary of State Clinton and Ask her to Lodge a Formal Complaint

Janaury 18, 1.56 pm PST: By Melanie Nathan;   As an ex-pat just when I was thinking I would send a letter to  South Africa’s President Zuma to ask if would kindly intervene and take a leadership role in assuring the full withdrawal in the Ugandan Hate Legislation, I received word that he has in fact appointed the most homophobic appointee possible to an ambassadorship in Uganda. What is he thinking that this Ambassador would be a good fit because he hates LGBTQI too?lezgetreal.com, Outrage – Zuma Appoints Homophobic Ambassador to UGANDA, Jan 2010

You should read the whole article.

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Lezgetreal Breaking Announcement -Hanson and Dinah Make Sweet Music

Salt-N-Pepa, Courtesy Club Skirts

Mariah Hanson &Friends with Katy Perry

CLUB SKIRTS PRESENTS THE DINAH® CELEBRATES ITS 20TH MILESTONE ANNIVERSARY  WITH A MUSIC LEGEND: SALT-N-PEPA Headlining Saturday Night’s “Hollywood Party” At the Palm Springs Convention Center .
by Melanie Nathan,  : -  

Palm Springs, CA - Mariah Hanson, founder of Club Skirts Presents The Dinah®, has just announced another HUGE headliner for the 2010 highly anticipated Dinah weekend held March 31 through April 4 (www.TheDinah)  in the sunny Oasis.  Joining the stellar line-up is the legendaryGrammy Award-winning American hip-hop trio Salt-N-Pepa who will rock the house during Saturday night’s “Hollywood Party” at the Palm Springs Convention Center. 

As the first all female rap crew, Salt-N-Pepa historically changed the face of the music scene. The groundbreaking cult band has broken many records in the music industry and is, to this day, credited as being one of the first rap artists to cross over into pop mainstream, laying the groundwork for a number of other female artists in the likes of TLC, Destiny’s Child and Beyonce.  

Selling over 15 million albums and singles worldwide, Salt-N-Pepa became the first female rap Grammy winners; the first female rap act to go gold or platinum; and the first female rap act to have amulti-platinum album.

“Much like The Dinah has over the years changed the face of lesbian event production, Salt-N-Pepa have changed the face of women in music. We herald them as the perfect headliner for our signature event,” says Hanson.     

Blending the old with the new, Hanson is commemorating The Dinah’s milestone 20th Anniversary by delivering a never-been-seen before star-studded entertainment program – a sure crowd-pleaser and show stopper event! 

After all who else but Hanson can bring together on the same stage, under one roof for one weekend ONLY, the hottest, sexiest and most talented music divas of yesterday and today – from Ke$ha, the current # 1 Billboard charting artist in the country (who stoleLady Gaga’s “most downloaded song on iTunes” record), Paradiso Girls, Lolene to music legend Salt-N-Pepa?  

This year club Skirts Presents The Dinah® is not just breaking grounds, it is making history!   www.TheDinah.com 

Note:       K$sha was announced as anothe scoop  Headliner at http://lezgetreal.com/?p=24549

 some weeks ago and now this adds to the extraordinary line-up for the weekedn long series of lesbian entertainment and  events.

Pictures Courtesy The Dinah/ 1. Salt-N-Pepa and 2. Mariah Hanson on stage with Katy Perry at The Dinah. 

 

 

 

Melanie Nathan

By Melanie Nathan, nathan@privatecourts.com
www.oblogdeeoblogda.wordpress.com 
@oblogdeeoblogda

reBlog from lezgetreal.com: UN urges Uganda to scrap anti-gay bill – Should USA Threaten with Sanctions Before Passage?

I hope that all Countries including USA will threaten boycotts, sanctions and end to Tourism if the Bill is not scraped, rather than waiting for it to be implemented. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton was able to impact the removal of the Death Penalty portion, but I believe with the failure of Uganda to remove this from their roster, coupled with the Pillay’s comments, now is the time to assert and prevent!lezgetreal.com, UN urges Uganda to scrap anti-gay bill – Should USA Threaten with Sanctions Before Passage?, Jan 2010

You should read the whole article.

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reBlog from lezgetreal.com: President Obama in MASS Church mentions LGBT Equality

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

  He just did it again ten seconds ago….. our President Obama -  said that we are fighting to end LGBT discrimination. We got a mention in Church -  on the eve  MLK holiday –  Hallelujah!  Now let us Pray.lezgetreal.com, President Obama in MASS Church mentions LGBT Equality, Jan 2010

You should read the whole article.

http://prop8trialtracker.com/

Oblogdeeoblogda is pleased to annouce our support of the live blog of the Prop 8 Trial proceedings.  Please help support Courage Campaign in their devoted endevour. - Melanie Nathan

via http://prop8trialtracker.com/.

reBlog from lezgetreal.com: Prop 8: An Entire Minority is on Trial – and as we fight for our legal existence we cannot watch?

Image via Wikipedia

 

I am outraged- How dare they!!  Look at what they have done with their money and manipulation of an entire 50% of voting State. Without their ads and lies, emanating from  a group of zealots whose hate belie their purported religious attributes and barely visible in California,  none of this would have happened.  They stripped all of California from a fundamental basic civil right; an LGBT right to equality under the law – a right to marry.  Worse yet, our children’s right to married parents and all the laws, validation and recognition that goes with it have vanished at the “X” of flippant insensible pens. lezgetreal.com, Prop 8: An Entire Minority is on Trial – and as we fight for our legal existence we cannot watch?, Jan 2010

You should read the whole article.

Quick Hits from Prop 8 Trial Tracker

 

“Quick Hits: Day 3 PROP 8 TRIAL TRACKER

Quoting Julia Rosen – Courage Campaign

There is a ton of excellent work being doing in covering this trial. Here are a couple of quick hits.

• The LAist has the letter from Dr. William Tam, which was introduced today and whose incendiary deposition was aired in part during Dr. George Chauncey’s testimony. The pro-Prop 8 letter includes this lovely gem: 
  

  This November, San Francisco voters will vote on a ballot to “legalize prostitution”. This is put forth by the SF city government, which is under the rule of homosexuals. They lose no time in pushing the gay agenda — after legalizing same-sex marriage, they want to legalize prostitution. What will be next? On their agenda list is: legalize having sex with children. I hope we all wake up now and really work to pass Prop 8.

  Tam was supposed to be an official Defendant-Intervenor in the case, but he withdrew right before it began.

• Karen Ocam over at LGBT POV has coverage of last nights AFER press conference.
• Adam B over at the big orange satan, eeer, I mean, Daily Kos has substantial quotes from both the majority opinion by SCOTUS and Breyer’s dissent.
• The crew over at Fire Dog Lake continued their excellent live blogging and reporting. The wonderful Marcy Wheeler has joined Teddy in SF, aiding with the liveblogging. Hopefully, we will see some analysis from her too.

And just a quick thanks to a few of the folks sending traffic our way today, too many really to mention all of you, which is just amazing: Andrew Sullivan, Margaret Talbot at the New Yorker, HRC Back Story, Dante Atkins at Daily Kos and the NYTimes.

reBlog from lezgetreal.com: Prop 8: An Entire Minority is on Trial – and as we fight for our legal existence we cannot watch?

Image via Wikipedia

 :

I am outraged- How dare they!!  Look at what they have done with their money and manipulation of an entire 50% of voting State. Without their ads and lies, emanating from  a group of zealots whose hate belie their purported religious attributes and barely visible in California,  none of this would have happened.  They stripped all of California from a fundamental basic civil right; an LGBT right to equality under the law – a right to marry.  Worse yet, our children’s right to married parents and all the laws, validation and recognition that goes with it have vanished at the “X” of flippant insensible pens.lezgetreal.com, Prop 8: An Entire Minority is on Trial – and as we fight for our legal existence we cannot watch?, Jan 2010

You should read the whole article.

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Prop 8 _ Harvard Professor, Nancy Cott Testifies

Melanie Nathan Posts,  REBLOG from Lezgetreal http://lezgetreal.com/?p=24878
To counter the claims of pro- Prop 8 argument,Harvard historyprofessor, Nancy Cott,  Plaintiff witness, renowned for her book on the History of Marriage in the US,  is testifying.   She makes the point that US government has a history of restricting marriage on racial grounds. Further the rights of women have always been limited even within the context of marriage.  At the relevant times there was a great deal of resistance to remove these restrictions.   She makes the critical point that the removal of restrictions did not weaken marriage and may even have strengthened it.

Cott also testified today thatgender roles traditionally assigned to marriage no longer make sense and are no longer supported by laws. Cott said divorce has not increased in Massachusetts during the five years same-sex couples could marry, “and if anything the divorce rate has been down.”

She testified that a ban onsame-sex marriage deprives society a significant source of stability.

Duringcross-examination Attorneys forProposition 8 pored used statements made by Cott in interviews and try to portray her as an activist. David H. Thompson, Pro Prop 8 lawyer, said that racial restrictions on marriage in the U.S. were never as “uniform” or widespread as the ban on same-sex marriage.

Thompson asked Cott  whetherJesus Christ and his apostles taught monogamy. “I know very little about Jesus Christ,” Cott replied.

-          Melanie nathan in San Francisco.-
Picture: Melanie Nahan – Palintiff’s leaving Court House Yesterday after testimony at prop 8 trial

Prop 8 Plaintiff Testimony – How Prop 8 Hurts Children? – A real Life example

Melanie Nathan Reports for Lezgetreal:

Rick Jacobs Courage Campaign Reporting from the Court:  “They are now playing a Prop. 8 ad. It’s the one about the little girl being allowed to marry a princess. “It’s already happened.”

How does that line, “Protect our Children. Restore Marriage,” make you feel?

What are you protecting them from? Are you protecting them by denying them certain rights? If so, that’s what they are doing. The threats are insulting. They are demonizing us. Why?

(There’s a big back and forth because the Prop. 8 side does not want any of these ads to be aired from the campaign. The Prop. 8 side thinks that not enough notice was given. The judge said that the witness would remain available for another 48 hours in case the good guys cannot prove enough notice was given.)

We’re taking a little break for the Prop. 8 side to chat amongst themselves about the question of when the list of exhibits was made available to them. But what the heck? Do you think they had not seen the ad? They used it all the time in California and then again in Maine. Maybe they should check out their own side’s website.

Prop 8 Plaintiff Testimony – How Prop 8 Hurts Children? – A real Life example, JAN 2010

You should read the whole article.
Artwork Melanie Nathan “The Face of  The Trial”

reBlog from Melanie Nathan: Lesbian Mom Janet Jenkins Asks Public For Help To Find Her Daughter

Help Find Isabella:

http://www.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/us/2010/01/02/snow.lesbian.custody.battle.cnn.htmlMelanie Nathan, Lesbian Mom Janet Jenkins Asks Public For Help To Find Her Daughter, Dec 2009

You should read the whole article.

Mr. President We Have your Back; Do you have ours?

http://lezgetreal.com/?p=23428 See Article re Birther Protests

reBlog from lezgetreal.com: Are Christian Anti-Gay Group/s Aiding & Abetting Lisa Miller’s Defiance of Court Order?

I wrote this article forlezgetreal take a peek its a jaw breaker…. lezgetreal.com, Are Christian Anti-Gay Group/s Aiding & Abetting Lisa Miller’s Defiance of Court Order?, Dec 2009

” Surely there are similar precedents to draw upon involving hetro couples. Namely, situations where the mother’s male partner/husband is not the biological father, and has not adopted the child, but at some point had a supportive relationship to the child as a stepfather.

Comment by Priya Lynn — December 30, 2009 @ 2:32 pm“

I can think of anecdotal cases involving people I’ve known (in which case the former stepfather has no rights), but I’m not a legal scholar so I’d appreciate any info on the matter. Anyone?

Comment by Brad — December 30, 2009 @ 12:02 pm

If a warrant is issued for her arrest, anyone providing her with assistance would be aiding a fugitive. Somehow I doubt Debbie Thurman wants to do state or federal time. Since the State of Virginia is now supporting the Vermont Court as they are required, I would guess that Miller would flee south (perhaps even to Mexico). If anyone helps Miller flee Virginia, they are looking at federal penalties. Judges hold a dim view of those who flout court rulings. I wouldn’t expect much leniency in sentencing.

Comment by John — December 30, 2009 @ 1:12 pm

Unbelievably someone on the page made sense in pointing out that Miller hasn’t put herself in a good position and being on the run actually hurts Isabella.

Comment by a. mcewen — December 30, 2009 @ 1:15 pm

So much for Thurman’s lame excuse that she didn’t give Miller any legal advice. Always knew you were a BS’er Debbie, thanks for coming out of the closet and admitting it.

Comment by Priya Lynn — December 30, 2009 @ 1:29 pm

If Miller does not comply with the law and wants to play martyr – I say fine. She can send a few years handcuffed and locked in the can to think about the sin of kidnapping.

What Miller is doing is not holy. She is a poor role model who is mentally abusing her child. There will likely be massive shrink bills in the future for Isabella, thanks to Miller.

Her lawlessness is not to be compared to our nation’s founders. It is criminal behavior, profoundly irresponsible and deeply immoral. It disgusts me that these frauds are cynically co-opting American symbols in their politically based criminality.

It is a shame that Miller allowed herself to be used as a pawn in the Culture War Syndicate. I doubt her friends will visit her much in the hoosegow once she is no longer useful to their political games.

Comment by Wayne Besen — December 30, 2009 @ 1:52 pm

“So much for Thurman’s lame excuse that she didn’t give Miller any legal advice. Always knew you were a BS’er Debbie, thanks for coming out of the closet and admitting it.”

   And you are deducing this how, exactly?

Comment by Debbie Thurman — December 30, 2009 @ 2:24 pm

You really are a piece of work Debbie. You just admitted the truth in your own blog, praising miller for the kidnapping, calling it “true motherhood”. Now of course in your Christian world where black is white and bad is good, you’ll have some pathetic excuse for how your actions are really the opposite of what you’ve done, but we’re not stupid and we’re not buying any of your BS. “ 

Comment by Priya Lynn — December 30, 2009 @ 2:32 pm

THURMANS WEBSITE  is located at http://debbiethurman.com/dt_files/aboutdebbie.php 

lezgetreal.com, Are Christian Anti-Gay Group/s Aiding & Abetting Lisa Miller’s Defiance of Court Order?, Dec 2009

You should read the whole article.

ALSO PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING QUOTED COMMENTS FROM THE LiSA MILLER FAN CLUB ON FACE BOOK.  THESE POEPLE SHOULD ALL BE QUESTIONED BY THE FEDS ON THE MISSING CHILD.

“RECENT ACTIVITY

 

James Equality Troia and 5 other members discussed NJ Judge Rules Against Gay Couple on the Only One Mommy: The Story of Lisa and Isabella Miller discussion board.

 

Marlene Bomer discussed Article: Woman fails to give up child to former partner on the Only One Mommy: The Story of Lisa and Isabella Miller discussion board.

2 more similar stories

 

Veev Geeg discussed Thanking God for Lisa and Isabella’s Protection on the Only One Mommy: The Story of Lisa and Isabella Miller discussion board.

 

Drew Taggart, Veev Geeg and Laura Marie discussed Article: Woman fails to give up child to former partner on the Only One Mommy: The Story of Lisa and Isabella Miller discussion board.

 

Drew Taggart

Article: Woman fails to give up child to former partner

As usual they leave out the part about Lisa being open to supervised visits and that she allegedly caught Janet naked with her daughter. And the part about her daughter exhibiting ’sexual’ behavior following the incident (http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/oct/0810270…7.html). Now I guess this is official- a decent woman who had straightened her life out and care for her daughter has gone into hiding because of a highly politicized and apparently indifferent court system. Best needs of the child? Wishes of the girl’s only biological parent? Not relevant I guess… http://www.wtkr.com/news/dp-va–lesbiancustody0101jan01,0,1678658.story

See More

 

Yesterday at 11:33am · Participate

Drew Taggart

NJ Judge Rules Against Gay Couple

Well New Jersey isn’t Vermont or Virgina, but it is nice to know the overwhelming majority of family courts recognize the biological parent/child relationship as paramount: “‘The surrogacy contract is based on principles that are directly contrary to the objectives of …our laws. It guarantees the separation of a child from its mother; it looks to adoption regardless of suitability; it totally ignores the child; it takes the child from the mother regardless of her wishes and maternal fitness.” http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/31/us/31surrogate.html Wow! A custodial decision based upon the needs of the child and wishes of the biological mom. What a concept.

See More

 

Yesterday at 7:41am · Participate

Linda Marie Wall

Thanking God for Lisa and Isabella’s Protection

Thank you Father in heaven. Your all seeing eye is upon them. I rejoice in your omnipresence.

 

Yesterday at 6:07am · Participate

Debbie Thurman

New Year Cease-Fire

Folks, I have attempted to disable comments here for the time being, although FB is telling me I can’t due to a technical glitch just now. Hard to tell if it has worked or not. So, in case it’s necessary, I am going to appeal to all of you to back off for a while. By no…w, you should have gotten the junk out of your systems. A handful of folks have essentially hijacked the group to argue back and forth with each other, ad nauseam. Stop it! Else, I will just set about banning all the big-mouths. I ought not have to remind you that vulgarities and personal attacks have no place here, and will not be allowed. You are grown-ups. Act like it. It’s New Years Day. A good time for us to be reflecting on the year just past and renewing our minds for the tasks ahead of us in the one to come. And it is certainly an EXCELLENT day to be on our knees before God, praising Him and seeking his wisdom as we remember that He is sovereign and His will cannot be thwarted. The events that are going to unfold in the days ahead will take place, with or without your input. Keep your ear to the news. Anything significant will be posted here. Let’s invest our energies into something positive. Those of us who have families — there is the perfect place to be investing our time today. Happy New Year to all.

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Yesterday at 5:12am · Participate

Drew Taggart Worth noting… here is Lisa’s interview with LifeSiteNews last year. Recent articles leave much of the details regarding her reasoning out.

 

Exclusive Interview with Lisa Miller, Ex-Lesbian Fighting for Custody of Own Child against “Civil Un

www.lifesitenews.com

October 26, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) – When Lisa Miller repudiated the lesbian lifestyle in 2003 and turned to Jesus Christ as her savior, she believed that she and her daughter Isabella would be safe from …

 

 

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Marlene Bomer

Using this site as an example of legitimate journalism is like using a tabloid like News of the World’s coverage of BatBoy and aliens visiting President Obama!

about an hour ago · Report

Drew Taggart Well Jenkins has filed a ‘missing persons’ report on Isabella. The
good news is that the county attorney Marc Brierre doesn’t sound real
keen on pursuing charges against Lisa (near the end of the article), which tells me there are some
glimmers of light in an otherwise dark situation. As there are
‘insinuations’ of sexua…l abuse by Lisa against Jenkins
(http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/oct/08102707.html), I don’t think
anyone in their right mind wants to be the person who stuck a seven
year old girl in a potentially abusive situation… that makes for ‘bad
headlines’ later on and ruins a promising political career…

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Missing person report filed for child: Rutland Herald Online

www.rutlandherald.com

Janet Jenkins filed a missing person report in Virginia on Wednesday in hopes of finding her 7-year-old daughter, according to her lawyer.But it remains to be seen whether she will take custody of her …

 

 

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Joe Jervis

Jennifer, I’m a LGBT rights reporter. I’d like to investigate and possibly write about your fascinating story. Can you send me the name of this bookstore, the manager’s name, and if possible, the name of your father? Thanks.

about an hour ago · Report

Marlene Bomer

Jennifer — What state were you working in? If it was a state which protects on the basis of sexual orientation, you DO have a case against this owner for discrimination, and *this* lesbian would back you up all the way!

about an hour ago · Report

Candace Hebert Proverbs 26:4
Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him yourself.

Thu at 7:55am · Report

Linda Marie Wall For any Christians questioning civil disobedience, read your new testament;that’s what true believers did.They obeyed God rather than men when the time came.

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3 people like this.

Beth Hurst it will not go well for anyone who chases after Isabella to put her under the influence of those given to evil. Consider Prov 23:10,11 “Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless, for their Defender is strong; He will take up their case against you.”

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3 people like this.

 

Veev Geeg

James the courts are not the end all be all. They are run by man and man makes mistakes. It is funny that you say the courts have spoken. OOOh the same courts that at one time had legislature that said that people of color are only part human. I guess you support that too @ James..OOH yeah whatever the courts say right?

Yesterday at 12:23pm · Report

Drew Taggart

I think the courts suffer from a bad case of Cranial- Rectal inversion…

Yesterday at 12:24pm · Report

Debbie Thurman http://theformers.wordpress.com/2009/12/31/some-needed-clarification/

Some Needed Clarification « The Formers Blog

theformers.wordpress.com

After speaking with someone whose wisdom and advice I respect a great deal, I see the need to correct an impression that stems from my post yesterday about Lisa Miller.

 

 

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Drew Taggart likes this.

 

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James Equality Troia

She’s breaking the law, she has “declared herself an unfit parent”. She is currently doing herself no favors.

11 hours ago · Report

Camilla Motyl

Lisa should not be separated from her daughter, nor should Janet be given any parental rights – as per the information about janet’s character and her behaviour towards Isabella, it makes me furious to think that our legal system is straying from its responsibility towards the child because of the gay marriage issue. ideology should not come before responsibility.

9 hours ago · Report

Linda Marie Wall Enjoy, Debbie. But for some, holidays are not a part of job specifications. The devil and his third fallen angels don’t observe man made traditions of holidays neither do the watchmen on the walls.

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2 people like this.

Debbie Thurman

Gee, thanks. Fortunately, prayer does not take a holiday for me, either. God will watch the walls today, my friend.

Thu at 5:43am · Report

Marlene Bomer

Neither did many of the Puritans and Pilgrims when they came to these shores, Linda!

about an hour ago · Report

Debbie Thurman I am taking time off to be with my family today and will not be available for comment or to referee any food fights that might break out here. I would prefer that all you folks go and do likewise. It is New Year’s Eve. Moreover, please spend time in prayer today. I’ve had a considerable amount of prayer time already th…is morning. Sure got my day off to a good start. If you adults cannot play nice here, when I come back I will delete all offensive comments and ban the offenders. As you can see, I give a wide berth to commenters, regardless of ideology. Please don’t abuse that privilege.

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3 people like this.

Rachel Vernae Marcussen I almost can’t believe this! I’m just shocked!

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5 people like this.

Austin Buckley This past summer Lisa gave me the devotional book “Streams In the Desert”. I treasure it and read it often.The reading for December 30 spoke of the time in Acts 12 when Peter was in prison facing insurmountable difficulties and exectution. The church had no human power or influence to change the situation. So they earn…estly prayed with “believing prayers” and the iron gates were opened. Emergencies call for intense prayer. When the man becomes the prayer nothing can resist its touch. Lisa I am praying for you with “believing prayers” that the gates in your life will be brought down!

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4 people like this.

Linda Marie Wall

Hey Austin!
Lisa and Isabella face the Red Sea. The same God will open up the waters. We may not see it yet, but He is faithful and He is being glorified.

Every time the article runs and says Lisa left homosexuality and is an evangelical Christian, those trapped in homosexuality know deliverance is possible with God.

Thu at 3:31am · Report

Austin Buckley

Amen Linda!

Thu at 9:16am · Report

Lucía Ponce I just read about Lisa and Isabella’s story and will be praying for our Heavenly Father to look after them. May His justice come forth in this case.

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3 people like this.

Stephanie Avienu Praying for Lisa and Isabella- and for Janet. I’m in Vermont- is there anything I can do to help?

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Linda Marie Wall

Get all of the people together that are like minded as you and get those in office out. Clean house there. Set up a grassroots group, get people to run as representatives and take your state back.

The sodomites deliberately chose Vermont many years ago to infiltrate and take control of the legislature there in order to do exactly what they have done in your state.

Thu at 3:35am · Report

Drew Taggart Psalm 69:4 : Those who hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of my head; Those who would destroy me are powerful, being wrongfully my enemies; What I did not steal, I then have to restore.

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2 people like this.

Crystal Lévesque 1 Timothy 6:12 :
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold
of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good
confession in the presence of many witnesses.

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Chris Timson likes this.

5 hours ago · Report

Rena Lindevaldsen Legal Update end of day Wed: While we await the VA Court of Appeals decision on enforcement, TODAY the Bedford County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court issued an order stating that the VT order transferring custody to Janet Jenkins is ENFORCEABLE in VA. Thus, sadly, until we hear otherwise from the VA Court of Appe…als, it looks like VA is going to enforce this VT order which should be unenforceable given VA’s laws defining marriage and family as headed by a mom and a dad.

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Desiree Pettiford Am I missing something? I feel like I’ve just awakened from a nightmare into a bad dream. I am confused. Would someone care to fill me in ~ please and thank-you very much ~ since I must have come in on the tail end of what is going on. I feel llike I’m in a whirlwind and I the feeling is very uncomfortable.

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Paul Ginandes

How do you know Janet didn’t want the child? Have you spoken to her? That is not what she has consistently said in interviews. And your crass religious hyperbole is predictable

Wed at 6:40pm · Report

Drew Taggart

What religious hyperbole?

Wed at 6:44pm · Report

Meleah Bishop Allard As a mother and former lesbian of 10 years, and having raised my daughter in a homosexual relationship for 8 of those years…I’m so grateful that I was not faced with the decision Lisa is faced with. When I left my partner, gave my life back to Christ and changed my homosexual orientation, I did not have to battle for… MY child. My partner had the decency to realize that Tiffany was MY child not hers. Thank you Deb for being a decent person. Thank you Jesus for your protection!! Thank you Lisa for being the hero that you are to all of us. Your Heavenly Daddy is with you! Praying for you sister in Christ!

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Jennifer Fleischer Johnson

Just because Jesus is silent on the subject, does NOT mean that homosexuality is permissible for Christians.

Furthermore 1 COR 6 is NOT about custody. It is referring to what we would call “torts” although Roman law had no such distinction.

The first amendment states that CONGRESS shall make NO LAW regarding the establishment of religion. Did you know that STATES still had established religions after the constitution. The idea we live in a secular state is a fairly new “Progessive” interpretation. DID YOU KNOW THAT? The misinterpretation of the first amendment is a real pet peeve for my Constitutional Lawyer husband. It is freedom OF religion, not freedom FROM…. See More

And perhaps if the Bible were still allowed in court and more judges read it and followed it this country wouldn’t be in the mess it is in.

BTW, ad hominum attacks are a sign you can’t carry the argument.

I have no issue with if a lesbian was “treated fairly” I expect ALL who come before the court to be treated fairly. I AM upset that a non-biological parent, who has had issues regarding the child is given custody of a child that she has no reasonable rights to (VA law specifically DOES NOT recognize VT ‘civil unions’), and the wished of the biological mother is nullified. All in the name of “gay rights”.

The judgment is flawed and smacks of political overtures. It basically takes a child away from a parent without cause (abuse etc.) because it is PC.

Psalm 6:2 :
Be merciful to me, LORD, for I am faint; O LORD, heal me, for my bones are in agony.

And…

69:23 May their eyes grow dim so that they cannot see, And make their loins shake continually. Pour out Your indig…nation on them, And may Your burning anger overtake them.

I don’t care what anyone says, what these judges have said. Isabella is Lisa’s daughter! Not Janet’s! God didn’t bring Lisa and Isabella this far to have this be the end result!

Keep the faith! Keep praying everyone!!! Nothing is too big or impossible for our Father!

I advise everyone who believes on go on E-bay and acquire a copy of A Christian Manifesto by Francis A. Schaeffer. Make sure you read Chapters 7/8 on civil disobed…iencce.
If you do not take “a mark of the beast” you will be guilty of civil disobedience.

http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20091231/NEWS04/912310386/1004/NEWS03

http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/oct/08102707.html

reBlog from LEZGETREAL: 2009 – Heroes and Zeros!

 HEROES AND ZEROS

 

 

Melanie and Jerold Nadler at Senate JC Hearings for UAFA

 Best in Congress, Rep. Jerold Nadler, , New York, – for re-introducing Uniting American Families Act ( UAFA )H.R. 1024, S. 424) a U.S. bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate discrimination in the immigration laws by permitting permanent partners of United States citizens and lawful permanent residents to obtain lawful permanent resident status in the same manner as spouses of citizens and lawful permanent residents and to penalize immigration fraud in connection with permanent partnerships.Peter, 2009 – Heroes and Zeros!, Dec 2009

You should read the whole article.

First same-sex couple to Marry in Latin America

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina  Two men were the first same-sex couple to marry in Latin America, although they had to find a location that would be open to a such a marriage.   The ceremony took place South of Buenos Aires, in Ushuaia, a remote seaside fishing village that is closer to Antarctica than Buenos Aires during the region’s brief summer thaw, and the capital of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego State, where the couple was welcomed, contrary to their prior attempt to marry in Buenos Aires.

Gay rights activists Jose Maria Di Bello and Alex Freyre exchanged rings at an informal ceremony witnessed by state and federal officials. “My knees didn’t stop shaking,” said the 41-year-old Di Bello, who seemed nervous at the impact of the historic moment.

An official representing the federal government’s antidiscrimination agency, Claudio Morgado, attended the wedding in the city of Ushuaia and called the occasion historic; “Marriage is an important advance in human rights and social inclusion and we are very happy that this has happened in our state.

Many in Argentina and throughout Latin America remain opposed to gay marriage, particularly the Roman Catholic Church.

“The decision took me by surprise and I’m concerned,” Bishop Juan Carlos, of the southern city Rio Gallegos, told the Argentine news agency DyN.  He called the marriage “an attack against the survival of the human species.” (lol …sorry)

But same-sex civil unions have been legalized in Uruguay, Buenos Aires, Mexico City and some states in Mexico and Brazil. Marriage generally carries more exclusive rights such as adopting children, inheriting wealth and enabling a partner to gain citizenship.  I wonder how the word marriage changes things so radically?  An excuse no doubt.

Di Bello said the city of Ushuaia initially declined to authorize the marriage but went ahead after the couple received backing from the state of Tierra del Fuego.  “We filed an administrative appeal to the government of Tierra del Fuego, which finally authorized the wedding.” Legal analyst Andres Gil Dominguez said the Tierra del Fuego government appeared to base its authorization of a broad interpretation of the Argentine Constitution and obligations under international treaties.

AP reports, that “Gov. Rios said the state’s approval was based on a ruling by a Buenos Aires judge who declared two provisions of the constitution discriminatory and gave the go-ahead for the marriage, which was then blocked by another judge’s ruling based on civil law. Individual state’s may not have final say over same-sex marriages for long. A bill that would legalize gay marriage was introduced in Argentina’s Congress in October but it has stalled without a vote. Argentina’s Supreme Court currently is analyzing appeals by same-sex couples whose marriages were rejected.  A Supreme Court justice said on Monday that the high court would likely rule on issues of same-sex marriage sometime in 2010, but could defer to Congress if legislation moves forward.”

Seven countries in the world allow gay marriages: Canada, Spain, South Africa, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands and Belgium. U.S. states that permit same-sex marriage are Iowa, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut,  New Hampshire D.C.

Earlier this month, lawmakers in Mexico City made it the city the first in Latin America to legalize same-sex marriage. Leftist Mayor Marcelo Ebrard was widely expected to sign the measure into law.

Please Sign Petition for Binational Visa Program

PLEASE SIGN PETITION FOR

BINATIONAL VISA PROGRAM

 

UAFA Hearings June 2009

BiNational Petition:- Remedial Visa -Stop Gap- Pending Legislation

PLEASE SIGN PETITION   http://www.change.org/actions/view/special_visa_for_binational_lgbt_spouse-perma-partners
:

The President of the United States, The U.S. Senate and The U.S. House

Re:-   Special Visa Process & Moratorium: Same-Sex Partner Sponsorship

 

 Greetings,

Lesbian and Gays can marry, enter into Domestic Partnerships and civil unions, in some States and many places in the World, yet we cannot Stay together in the USA because we are unable to sponsor our spouses/partners for a green card.

While we wait for immigration equality under the US Immigration and Naturalization Act -to sponsor our foreign-born partners, we endure unconscionable and inhumane situations on a day to day, hour by hour basis. Our partners are persecuted at our airports by the profiling of ICE officials and arbitrarily turned away, despite having visas; our relationships are denied through our inability to live together in the US, or we live in fear, hiding or exile. We lose jobs, we lose homes, we lose our time with extended family, we give up our pensions. We are detained and deported.

So at this holiday time, when families are gathering together in happiness and joy, please find a way to remember those Americans. their beloved and children who, because of DOMA, cannot share these days- and all our community can do at this time is beg and pray for something extraordinary, perhaps a miracle. Our exiles and exiles-to-be cannot wait for the impending Immigration Reform battle or for UAFA to garnish more co-sponsors. Our binationals do not want to be the “Public Option” of Comprehensive Immigration Reform.

Asking President Obama for a special visa as a stop-gap pending Legislation to remedy an inequitous anomaly in the conflict between State and Federal Law:

1. Ask Congress to formulate a special interim Visa Program for Same-sex Spouses, Domestic Partners, Civil Union Partners, for entry into the USA, and for the ability to remain and work in the USA – possibly subject to renewal and/or- with a path to immigration.

This can be done in a similar manner to the R1 Visa Process. It should however be less complicated and could be set for termination when UAFA or similar legislation is passed, or until DOMA is repealed, that will grant the rights LGBT Americans are now denied.

2. The burden of proof would be similar to that required of a marriage – where, inter alia, the following is required:
a. Proof of certification of marriage, Domestic Partnership, Civil Union contract – from any jurisdiction, anywhere in the world, proving a contractual nexus between the spouses;
or
Intent to enter such certified relationship with proof required wuthin 6 months ( this alternate application is similar to Fiance Visa)
b. Affidavit of suport from American Spouse;
c. The same two year conditional residency as spouses have – where the parties attend an interview tot prove that they have been living together in relationship, to back up the contract in the exact same way as straight Americans are required to do;
d. A Partner with a ten year ban – who was in a same-sex relationship at the time of deportation or voluntary departure– ought to have the right for a case review, to negate the ban and specific criteria for this should be established;
e. Same sex couples ought to have a process to convert Visas to this Visa status, regardless of waivers they may have signed.
f. Visa Program can be subject to a Sunset provision and renewal – to circumvent fear of fraud.
(More detailed draft of legislation for such a VISA is available to anyone interested )

If this was done in the form of a special visa category and did not alter the Immigration and Naturalization Act in any way; it could perhaps work its way through the system quickly and effectively provide rights now denied Americans in same sex contractual and legal relationships. The way such Visa Program would be written will not conflict in any way with DOMA and its furtive restrictions on the Immigration and Naturalization Act.

A Binational Xmas Wish in A letter to President Obama

  by me on LGR please read the whole thing

Mr. President, with great respect, I am mentioning this during the holiday season because this time for many is fraught with sadness, fear and pain.  Exiled Americans, who are with their spouses, cannot come home to spend Xmas with extended families and if they do, they have to leave spouses  abroad.  Tens of thousands of same sex couples are unable to spend these holidays together because they are stuck in different countries.  These families cannot wait any longer. Our binational spouses and partners are being turned away at US airports, even as I write these words, at the arbitrary instance of an ICE officer.Jaba Shah, A Binational Xmas Wish in A letter to President Obama, Dec 2009

You should read the whole article.  http://lezgetreal.com/?p=24121
I have started a column that I would like to share with readers. It will feature 2 posts per month and is titles UAFA or 1,666 years of stories.  It is found on the BLOGsite of Lezgetreal.com and I have produced two stories thus far. The timely XMAS story today is couched in a letter to President Obama wishing him a Happy Holiday Season and asking for a miracle for LGBT couples who cannot be together because of DOMA and US exile.

ANOTHER American Exiled! – UAFA Now or 1,666 years of Stories-

 My Column on Lezgetreal – 1,666 years or UAFA

The Stories Of Shirley Tan and oter families

This week a Plane is leaving for Taiwan and one more American is forced to leave the Country he loves so dearly, simply because the love of his life is of the same sex.   He is about to be exiled and here is his story……. but first let me explain

lezgetreal.com, ANOTHER American Exiled! – UAFA Now or 1,666 years of Stories-, Dec 2009

You should read the whole article.

reBlog Lezgetreal : Kalamazoo Churches Pull Out Of Charity Over One Church’s Support For LGBT Rights

“Nice People The Jones’”  ………………….   if you get my drift….

Three churches in Kalamazoo, MI have chosen to leave Martha’s Table, a charity which provides services and meals for those in need. The reason why they are leaving is simple- the church, First Congregational, that houses the charity is inclusive of the LGBT Community, and the three churches who either have or will quit are unwilling to associate with First Congregational over that issue. They talk about “guilt by association. “The founding principle of Martha’s Table was that churches would come together and put aside their differences in light of what unites us, which is our common commitment to serve Christ and others. But now this difference has risen above our common commitment to serving Christ,” Pastor Matt Laney has said. Representatives from Agape Christian Church and Word for Life Church of God will withdraw from the charity at the end of the year, and Centerpoint Church already has. Kalamazoo Churches Pull Out Of Charity Over One Church’s Support For LGBT Rights, Dec 2009

You should read the whole article. 

Churches to leave homeless ministry over sexuality conflict

By Margaret DeRitter | Kalamazoo Gazette

Reported by December 16, 2009, 6:45AM     KALAMAZOO — Theological disagreements over homosexuality are causing a divide within a downtown ministry that serves the poor, homeless and lonely.

Martha’s Table, through which eight churches have provided Sunday afternoon worship and meals for the needy at First Congregational Church, is losing three of the churches because of the issue of homosexuality, even though the ecumenical ministry takes no position on it, said the Rev. Matt Laney, pastor of First Congregational.

Mark Bugnaski | Kalamazoo GazetteMinistry unveiled: In this photo from October 2007, when the Martha’s Table ministry was launched, the Rev. Matt Laney, left, and Jeff McNally pose at Laney’s First Congregational Church. Agape Christian Church and Word for Life Church of God plan to withdraw from Martha’s Table at the end of the year, and Centerpoint Church (formerly Third Reformed Church) has already done so, Laney said.

“The founding principle of Martha’s Table was that churches would come together and put aside their differences in light of what unites us, which is our common commitment to serve Christ and others,” Laney said. “But now this difference has risen above our common commitment to serving Christ.”

Laney said representatives of all three churches have been “very clear” that they don’t want to be “guilty by association” with First Congregational and its inclusiveness of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people, said Laney, who publicly supported an ordinance passed by Kalamazoo voters in November that protects GLBT people from discrimination in housing, jobs and accommodations.

“To me, it’s incredibly disappointing,” Laney said. “That’s the best word I can give it. It’s also mystifying. I was very shocked and surprised when they pulled out.”

The man who came up with the vision for Martha’s Table  — Jeff McNally, pastor of Word for Life and owner of McNally’s Kitchen, which provided most of the meals — declined to comment on the reasons for his withdrawal from the ministry that began in 2007.

“I would just as soon let it go,” he said. “We are just pulling out. That’s all. … We would just as soon take a position of silence.”

But Ron Vestrand, senior pastor of Agape Christian Church, said it was conversations with McNally that led to his church withdrawing from Martha’s Table.

“As time went on, Pastor McNally was becoming concerned with Pastor Matt Laney’s stand on homosexuality. I believe it was causing some disunity. … I think the primary issue was that we felt that Matt’s stance on homosexuality as a valid Christian lifestyle violated our biblical worldview.”

Vestrand added that “ecumenical ministries are a great challenge because sometimes there can be issues that can rise up. We probably were a bit remiss in not talking more extensively about some of the possibilities.”

Kim Sandelin, a lay pastor from Agape, said churches can tolerate some theological disagreements and work together, but “an immoral lifestyle has eternal ramifications in Scripture.”

Yet, he said he wanted to emphasize that “none of the pastors in this ministry have any ill will or bad feelings toward one another.”

He said he talked to Laney about his church’s decision. “When Matt and I were done, we shook hands and considered one another brothers in ministry,” he said.

The Kalamazoo Gazette was unable to reach a representative of Centerpoint for comment.
A pastor from another church in the Reformed, or Calvinist, tradition, the Rev. Ken Baker of Third Christian Reformed, said his church will continue its commitment to Martha’s Table.

“I feel very sad about the decision of three partner churches to pull out,” Baker said. “Everything about the ministry of Martha’s Table reflects the heart of Jesus, who came to preach good news to the poor. Surely, all our churches would agree that mercy and compassion were at the heart of the ministry of Jesus.”

He noted that his denomination takes a “theologically conservative” position on homosexuality, interpreting the Bible to say the practice is wrong but that it is not a sin to have a homosexual disposition. “But I fail to see how our integrity is violated by participating in Martha’s Table,” he said.

Laney said his church and the other remaining churches — St. Luke’s Episcopal, First Presbyterian and First Methodist — are also committed to continuing the ministry, and he is trying to recruit other churches.

The church that leads the Martha’s Table worship service on a given week will now bring the meals, Laney said. Attendance can vary widely, from about 50 to 120, although Martha’s Table usually draws 80 to 90 people, he said. About 20 to 30 of the attendees are volunteers.

McNally and Vestrand also say they remain committed to serving the poor and homeless. “Our heart toward the homeless has not deviated at all,” Vestrand said.

Baker said he intends to write a letter to the three churches leaving Martha’s Table.

“My hope and prayer is that these other churches will reconsider and change their minds,” he said. “What better time of year to do that than this season of the year when Christ followers ponder the mystery of God coming in the flesh to ‘lift up the humble and fill the hungry with good things.

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reBlog from lezgetreal.com: Fenty To Sign DC Marriage Equality Bill Today – Chaffetz Vows Fight

I found this fascinating quote today:

12/18/09-by Paula Brooks On Tuesday, after months of rancor and threats from The Archdiocese of DC and other District religious leaders, the District of Columbia Council passed a measure that will permit same-sex marriage in our Nations Capitol.lezgetreal.com, Fenty To Sign DC Marriage Equality Bill Today – Chaffetz Vows Fight, Dec 2009

You should read the whole article.