Towleroad Talking Points: Unanimous Gay Hate in Russia

PHOTO OF THE DAY: Gay rights takes a terrible beating in Russia.

BY SAM GREISMAN

A look back at today's top stories

WINGNUTTERY

Russia's lower parliament or "Duma" proved today that they are a very angry and hateful group of people as they voted 434-0 in favor of a ban on "gay propaganda". Meanwhile gay activists were out in force in Moscow to protest to the decision and felt the full brunt of the police state. 

There has been a rash of anti-gay attacks in Columbus, Ohio where three gay men have been attacked in the past week. Today Pope Francis confirmed the existence of an all powerful 'gay lobby' within the Vatican. Mwahaha! And a children's museum in Jacksonville, Florida recently told a lesbian couple and their children that they are in fact not a family. 

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ENTERTAINMENT

It's LGBT pride month and pride festivities are beginning all across the country. Watch as a straight man on the street interviews some members of the gay community in Philadelphia and gets their reactions to important gay issues (read: Amanda Bynes). Speaking of pride, this seems like a solid candidate for the anthem for all pride festivities. True Blood certainly has a very loyal gay fanbase; check out our roundup of six of the best gay moments from the show's history in honor of the upcoming season. 

There was a wonderful surprise awaiting an adorable lesbian military couple when they sat down with Ellen earlier this week. The boys from Lonely Island have a new video out and this one features the likely combo of Paul Rudd and Robyn. Also George Takei tells us why all of nature is gay. 

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VIDEOS OF THE DAY

It's official. This crazy woman should never be allowed to go to Dunkin Donuts again and no one likes Strawberry Coolada's as much as her. Struggling to find the appropriate way to inform your loved one's that you're gay? This video gives you 20 great suggestions. Also take a look at New York in the height of it's dirty 80's phase. 

Here's the Drag Spoof of 'Downton Abbey' You've Been Waiting For: VIDEO

A new 'Funny or Die' video spoofs the Crawley family and their staff.

Featuring Stephen Guarino, Willam, Vicky Vox, Michelle Visage, David Burtka, Jimmy Ray Bennett, Jeff Hiller, Drew Droege, Courtney Act, Jonny McGovern, Sebastian LaCause, and many others.

Set to Madonna's "Vogue" and The Real McCoy's "Another Night", of course.

Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...

Snore (Downton Abbey) - watch more funny videos

Gay Men Seen in Violent Arrest by NYPD Hold Press Conference: VIDEO

Yesterday we posted video of what the New York Anti-Violence (AVP) is calling a bias-motivated assault and arrest of three gay men by NYPD officers in the Bed-Stuy neighborhood of Brooklyn on June 3.

This afternoon, the AVP held a press conference with the men and LGBT community advocates about the incident, calling for an investigation.

According to WPIX, Police Commissioner Ray Kelly says the NYPD is looking into the allegations.

“I’ve seen the video, and I think it’s appropriate to have it investigated by the Internal Affairs Bureau,” Kelly said.

Watch WPIX's report on the incident and the press conference, AFTER THE JUMP...

Robyn, Diddy, and Paul Rudd are in an Insane Music Video Together: WATCH

Remember the crazy video from Andy Samberg's comedy troupe The Lonely Island in which James Franco, Ed Norton, and Zach Galifianakis got married to men?

Samberg's follow-up has now arrived, and operates on the same level of genius insanity, but this time features the odd combo of Swedish pop star Robyn, Diddy, and Paul Rudd hitting a nightclub in a music video for the track "Go Kindergarten".

Check it out, AFTER THE JUMP...

White House Objects to 'Conscience Protections' in Defense Bill That Would Protect Anti-Gay Harassment

Last week we reported on an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) offered by Rep. John Fleming (pictured) (R-LA) that would expand "conscience protections", offering a "license to bully" based on religious beliefs.

The White House released a statement this afternoon containing objections to certain provisions in the bill. Among them, the 'conscience protections':

The Administration strongly objects to section 530, which would require the Armed Forces to accommodate, except in cases of military necessity, "actions and speech" reflecting the "conscience, moral principles, or religious beliefs of the member."  By limiting the discretion of commanders to address potentially problematic speech and actions within their units, this provision would have a significant adverse effect on good order, discipline, morale, and mission accomplishment.

Wrote Outserve-SLDN of the amendment last week:

If enacted, the Fleming amendment would protect inappropriate, defamatory, and discriminatory speech and actions – a significant expansion of current protections for beliefs – and would leave commanders with no recourse against such prejudicial conduct when it occurs in their units.

The group says the amendment would also "compromise religious liberties of service members, erode the ability of military commanders to protect good order and discipline, and undermine the successful implementation of 'Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell' repeal."

Straight Man on the Street Interviews Philly's Gay Community: VIDEO

It's Pride week in Philadelphia, so straight man on the street Evan Burdette went down to the Gayborhood to feel the pulse on Amanda Bynes, RuPaul, the community's favorite thing about being gay, street preachers, and Omarosa.

Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...