Towleroad Talking Points: France, Rhode Island and Proud Marys

PHOTO OF THE DAY: A 4th grader adorably puts marriage equality haters in their place 

BY SAM GREISMAN

A look back at today's top stories

GAY NEWS

Fantastic news in Rhode Island which will become the 10th in the nation to approve marriage equality! Yesterday we reported on the state senator in Nevada who came out during a vote to repeal the state's same-sex marriage ban. Well now we have video evidence for your enjoyment. Also pro-gay rights protesters in Brussels drenched the anti-gay Archbishop of Belgium.

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WINGNUTTERY

Following the passage of a same-sex marriage bill in France yesterday, there were several violent anti-gay protests. Not just in the capital of Paris but also in outlying cities such as Lyon where 44 protestors were arrested. NOM President Brian Brown told his gay hating French friends that they should continue protesting but should avoid hurting people. 

Dr. Paul Cameron, who thinks that being gay is as dangerous as smoking, told Senator Rob Portman to flip flop on his support for marriage equality for his son's sake. Check out this ridiculous video by an anti-gay group that equates being gay with adultery. Republicans in Iowa hate the gays so much that they are trying to cut the salaries of state judges that are pro-equality. And if you are in New York and want to let Jeremy Irons have it, join the group that will be protesting outside of a screening of his latest film. 

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ENTERTAINMENT

Check out the latest video from former Drag Race contestant Willam which features a RuPaul impersonation. Ellen DeGeneres has made no secret of the fact that she enjoys Kate McKinnon's impression of her, so it's no surprise that the SNLer broke it out on her show. Now infamous local news anchor AJ Clemente appeared on  Today and explained how his first day went so horrible wrong. And a drag queen on X Factor New Zealand wowed the audience with a rendition of "Proud Mary". 

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VIDEO OF THE DAY

It's amazing that this is even necessary, but a bunch of celebrities have lined up to urge kids to stop snorting condoms. Maybe if you die snorting a condom it's just part of natural selection?

RuPaul Spends 30 Minutes in Bed with Joan Rivers: VIDEO

On drag, growing up, fame, success, and doing 'The Tuck'.

Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...

'Ex-Gay' Poster Boy John Paulk Apologizes for the Pain and Harm He Caused at Focus on the Family

John Paulk, the longtime leader of Focus on the Family's 'Love Won Out' 'ex-gay' ministry and former Exodus International chair has apologized for the pain and harm he caused. Paulk recently said he no longer supports the "ex-gay" movement but this is his first real apology.

Says Paulk in a post on Skipping to the Piccolo, in part:

Please allow me to be clear: I do not believe that reparative therapy changes sexual orientation; in fact, it does great harm to many people.

I know that countless people were harmed by things I said and did in the past,

Parents, families, and their loved ones were negatively impacted by the notion of reparative therapy and the message of change. I am truly, truly sorry for the pain I have caused.

From the bottom of my heart I wish I could take back my words and actions that caused anger, depression, guilt and hopelessness. In their place I want to extend love, hope, tenderness, joy and the truth that gay people are loved by God.

Today, I see LGBT people for who they are–beloved, cherished children of God. I offer my most sincere and heartfelt apology to men, women, and especially children and teens who felt unlovable, unworthy, shamed or thrown away by God or the church.

I want to offer my sincere thanks to everyone who encouraged me to take this initial step of transparency. Even while promoting “ex-gay” programs, there were those who called me on my own words and actions. I’m sure I didn’t appreciate it at the time, but they have helped me to realize this truth about who I am.

Rhode Island Approves Marriage Equality After 26-12 Senate Vote

Rhode Island has approved marriage equality in a 26-12 Senate vote.

The Rhode Island House passed the bill in January in a 51-19 vote. It must get another, largely procedural, vote there.

Governor Lincoln Chafee will sign the bill.

Rhode Island will be the 10th U.S. state to allow gay and lesbian couples the freedom to marry, and every state in New England is now a marriage equality state!

Once signed, the bill should take effect in August.

UPDATE: Chafee released the following statement...

I am always proud to be a Rhode Islander, but never more so than today.

After yesterday’s Judiciary Committee vote, I expressed my hope that the full Rhode Island Senate would pass a bill that chooses tolerance and fairness over division and discrimination. In passing the Marriage Equality Act, they have done just that.

I thank the Senators who have taken a stand to move Rhode Island forward and commend the Senate President for calling the roll. Great credit should go to Ray Sullivan, everyone at Rhode Islanders United for Marriage, and the countless volunteers who knocked on doors and participated in phone banks. Finally, I want to applaud the pioneers, such as the late Julie Pell, who for decades have fought for the fundamental rights of gay and lesbian Rhode Islanders. This day would not have been possible without their efforts.

Pending the final vote by the House of Representatives, Rhode Island will no longer be an outlier in our region. We will have the welcome mat out. We will be open for business, and we will once again affirm our legacy as a place that is tolerant and appreciative of diversity.

Towleroad Guide to the Tube #1354

TURTLE HILL, BROOKLYN:A new gay indie.

GRASSHOPPER: The SpaceX rocket that can vertically take off and land makes its biggest leap yet.

EXERCISING WITH CATS: An informative how-to.

MARRIED AND COUNTING: A gay couple gets married in every state they can.

For recent Guides to the Tube, click HERE.

Rhode Island Senate Debate, Vote on Marriage Equality: Watch LIVE

The Rhode Island Senate is scheduled to debate and vote on a marriage equality bill today at 4 pm.

You should be able to tune in HERE.

Or HERE.

UPDATE: It passes 26-12!!!! Rhode Island will have marriage equality.