News: Mumbai, Pilot Whales, Britney Spears, Scuba, Pregnant Man

A grim first look inside the Taj Hotel following the weekend's deadly terrorist siege in Mumbai. The owner of the Taj said the hotel had temporarily increased security following a warning they received. The Big Picture offers some powerful and troubling photos. Hostages says he wishes he had a gun rather than a camera. This video allegedly shows the final living terrorist beaten and arrested. Condoleezza Rice heads to India.

Danny Boyle's Slumdog Millionaire wins big at British independent film awards (Bifas): "...the story of a Mumbai teenage boy who astounds all around him by doing well on the Indian Who Wants To Be a Millionaire quiz show, won best film, best director and best newcomer for its British lead."

Pregnant man Thomas Beatie and family go international.

Scottish women targeted in homophobic gravel attack: "Police say the happened at around 2am yesterday morning as the pair made their way along Duke Street towards Lochend Road following a night out. The women, aged 34 and 35 were then subjected homophobic abuse by two men who were walking in the opposite direction. The men then picked up gravel from the ground and threw it. One of the women had gravel thrown directly in her face before both men ran off towards Leith Links."

Britney Spears goes on the record, brings Circus to X-Factor.

Scientists: Blueberries can improve memory.

Nature/nurture argument for homosexuality to be informed by forthcoming study of twins.

Scuba dive in the middle of the Utah desert.

Judge rules murder of gay man in Australia not homophobic: "The court had heard Fleming, 35, and the youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were sharing a beer at a Narrabeen toilet block while sheltering from a storm. Fleming, a 'gentle, childlike man' with Asperger’s Syndrome later approached the youth with his trousers down and attempted to hug him. NSW Supreme Court justice David Kirby said the killing was the result of a failure of communication. 'He feared that he may be raped or sexually assaulted,' Kirby told the court as he handed down the sentence. 'He says, and I accept, he is not homophobic.'"

Gay penguins segregated at China zoo after urge to father children leads them to steal eggs. No doubt the wingnuts will be all over this story.

Tampa, Florida area sees shift in attitudes toward gay people: "The gay and lesbian community that left Ybor City in the early 1990s is returning to play a key role in its resurrection. A local salsa instructor is satisfying a growing interest in a class for gay and lesbian dancers. And in Palmetto, the nation's first gay and lesbian retirement community is appealing to people nationwide seeking a slice of Florida paradise. Perhaps no sign of support is clearer than the election of Kevin Beckner, the county's first openly gay commissioner. He defeated Brian Blair, a supporter of the county's ban on recognizing gay pride."

British rugby league adopts stance against homophobia: "League officials say posters and logos carrying the message, 'Some people are gay. Get over it!' will be displayed at rugby league grounds, in programs and fan areas, as a bid to promote LGBT integration in the sport.

Ben Affleck shaves his head.

More than 150 pilot whales die in mass stranding in Tasmania.

Gay Catholic's book ruffles frocks at Boston church.

Secret behind Tina Fey's scar revealed.

Norman Mailer writer's colony to launch in May in Provincetown: "Still in its planning stages, the center, to be funded entirely through private donations, is scheduled to host at least seven weeklong seminars next summer, as well as monthlong fellowships and other events. And that's just the first season, Schiller said. Colony organizers include an ad­visory board of noted authors, among them Günter Grass, Joan Didion and Doris Kearns Goodwin. They are still planning the curriculum for the fall and winter seasons...The summer seminars, which will begin in May and end in August, will range in theme from first-person journalism to documentary filmmaking."

Huffington Post raises $25 million in new capital from OAk Investment Partners.

Warrant out for Polish man suspected in homophobic UK attack.

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Gay Group to Crash Florida Governor Charlie Crist's Wedding

Florida Governor Charlie Crist is getting married next month and the gay group Impact Florida plans to be there to peacefully protest the recent passage of Amendment 2, which bans same-sex marriage in the state, and the governor's endorsement of it:

The Suncoast News reports: "The group Impact-Florida has called on its members to gather in pink T-shirts outside First United Methodist Church of St. Petersburg on Dec.12 to "congratulate" Crist and Rome while their wedding takes place inside. The demonstration will continue outside the wedding reception at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort in downtown St. Petersburg. 'After the positive congratulatory observance, there will be a candlelight vigil close to the [Vinoy] in downtown St. Pete to mourn the loss of gays right to get married,' the group's Web site states, referring to a gay marriage ban that passed by ballot initiative in November. Crist endorsed Amendment 2 prior to its passage by 61.9 percent of state voters; it needed 60 percent to become part of the state Constitution."

Said Impact Florida spokesperson Lorna Bracewell to GaySoFla:

“Our objective will be to celebrate the Governor’s fundamental right to marry. The demonstration will be peaceful and respectful. Governor Crist, an outspoken proponent of Amendment 2, is getting married. He is exercising the same fundamental right millions of Floridians are now denied because of the passage of Amendment 2. Perhaps it will inspire him and the many Floridians that voted for Amendment 2 to rethink their positions on the question of what constitutes a marriage."

Gay Marriage Proponents Plan to Crash Governor’s Wedding [gaysofla]

Previously
Charlie Crist to Have Fabulous Gay Marriage [tr]
Florida Governor Charlie Crist Says He Supports Gay Marriage Ban [tr]
GOP Strategist Peddling 'Charlie Crist Sex Tape' to Kill Gay Rumors? [tr]
Jeb Bush Blocks Reporter Questioning Charlie Crist's Sexuality [tr]
Fla GOP Gov. Candidate Charlie Crist: I Never Had Sex with a Man [tr]
Opponent Outs Florida Gubernatorial Candidate Charlie Crist [tr]

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News: Ann Coulter, Indonesia, Piano, Marc Jacobs, Pat Buchanan

Piano found in perfect working condition deep in woods of Cape Cod: "The Baldwin piano, which had a matching bench, was set up as if someone was about to sit down and play, reported WCVB-TV in Boston. Despite efforts by police to locate its owner, or at least explain how it came to be in a conservation area, police Monday said no one has contacted them...The piano is so heavy that it took more than a half-dozen men to load it onto a truck."

Ann Coulter's mouth wired shut. Image from a conservative women fur calendar.

SICK: Indonesian province moves forward with microchip implant proposal for people with HIV/AIDS. "Since the plan was initially proposed, the government has narrowed its scope, saying the chips would only be implanted in those who are 'sexually aggressive,' but it has not said how it would determine who fits that group. It also was not clear how many people it might include."

Britney Spears rolls the Stone back.

Amy Winehouse back in the hospital.

Brazil's DOM magazine halting publication.

Westboro Baptist Church flee after being met by hundreds of student counter-protestors in Omaha: "Students threw hamburgers and bottles of lemonade and milk at several members of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan., students said after the protest. A video of the protest was” recorded by 16-year-old student Mason Hartwell that” showed one counterprotester on the ground, seated with his hands behind his back and flanked by two law enforcement officers."

For the Gaybies: Marc Jacobs-designed Bugaboo stroller. "What would you pay for this hot new limited edition stroller? What if we told you there are only 15 available? How about if you knew it was designed by Marc Jacobs? If $1500 was the number you came up with, you know your luxury sedans."

Hillsborough County, Florida swears in first openly gay commissioner: "Democrat Kevin Beckner took the oath of office before a standing-room-only crowd that spilled into the first floor at County Center. Like the two other commissioners sworn in, Beckner thanked his parents and supporters. He singled out a 96-year-old activist who collected 400 signatures to get his name on the ballot and another woman who campaigned for him while battling cancer. As he joined a commission that three years ago voted to ban gay pride displays on county property, he also recognized his partner of 10 years."

A-Rod to help stuff Madonna's turkey.

Some 16-year-olds have all the luck.

New iPhone app helps you calculate whether or not you might be in danger of getting a DUI or endangering someone should you get behind the wheel after a holiday party. If so, it will call a taxi for you. Of course if you're that gone, will you have the foresight to use it?

World's largest cruise ship hits the water.

New documentary explores gay rights: "The rebirth of the gay rights movement and the battle over legalizing same-sex marriage will be the focus of the new indie documentary 'A Non-Issue?' The doc will follow Dr. John Corvino, a philosopher, lecturer and author of 'The Gay Moralist,' as he crisscrosses the nation engaging and debating those most against gay marriage."

"Ex-gay" groups receiving government subsidies in The Netherlands.

A look back at Pat Buchanan in 1977.

SX interviews Matthew Mitcham: "In a world where everyone seems to be on the make, Matthew Mitcham is a refreshing change. Unlike some other athletes that come to mind, he’s not milking his Beijing experience like a frenzied bovine. He’s not selling his story to the highest bidder, for instance, but is instead speaking to the gay press, and a community that has strongly supported him. He’s not hitting the party circuit, but has slipped back comfortably into his training at the Sydney Aquatic Centre, practising the sport he loves, spending his spare time (what little there is) doing ordinary things like catching up with friends and family, and hanging out with his partner."

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Charlie Crist to Have Fabulous Gay Marriage

By "gay" I mean "happy" of course. Florida Governor Charlie Crist's marriage next month to Carole Rome will ensure he has a lifetime supply of beards, and well, perhaps that's why it'll be so happy.

Via The St. Petersburg Times:

"The Dec. 12 nuptials will take place at First United Methodist Church, where the governor and his family have worshiped for years. The ceremony is black-tie optional, with a reception afterward at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort. Invitations began arriving last week. They are cream and pale pink, printed in Copperplate script, and sealed with a capital 'C' affixed to a satin ribbon. An enclosure card reads: "No gifts please, due to Florida law." The governor is required to report presents thought to be worth more than $100, except those from family members."

Gays can't marry in Florida because of the recently-passed (Crist-endorsed) ban, but the governor can. Looks like he finally found the right one.

Previously
Florida Governor Charlie Crist Says He Supports Gay Marriage Ban [tr]
GOP Strategist Peddling 'Charlie Crist Sex Tape' to Kill Gay Rumors? [tr]
Jeb Bush Blocks Reporter Questioning Charlie Crist's Sexuality [tr]
Fla GOP Gov. Candidate Charlie Crist: I Never Had Sex with a Man [tr]
Opponent Outs Florida Gubernatorial Candidate Charlie Crist [tr]

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Florida Ban on Gay Adoption Ruled Unconstitutional

The Miami Herald reports that Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Cindy Lederman has declared Florida's gay adoption ban unconstiutional:

"In a 53-page ruling, Judge Lederman said, 'It is clear that sexual orientation is not a predictor of a person's ability to parent.' Two lawyers from the Florida Attorney General's Office said they would file an appeal Tuesday. 'We respect the court's decision,' said Assistant Attorney General Valerie Martin. 'Based upon the wishes of our client, the Department of Children & Families, we will file an appeal.' Gill, who is raising the half-brothers, ages 4 and 8, said he was 'elated' by the ruling and 'I cried tears of joy for the first time in my life.'"

Gill can now adopt the boys he has cared for since 2004.

The AP reports: "Florida has one of the strictest bans on gay adoptions in the country. A judge in Key West ruled in September that the ban was unconstitutional, but that ruling has had limited legal impact. Attorneys for the state said they would appeal Lederman's ruling. The appeal will ultimately decide what happens to the state ban in place since 1977.

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Court to Rule in Florida Gay Adoption Case

UPDATE: Ban ruled unconstitutional.

This morning, a Miami-Dade child welfare judge is expected to rule on the constitutionality of Florida's law banning gay adoption.

"Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Cindy Lederman heard testimony from Oct. 1-6 over Frank Gill's petition to adopt the two foster children he has cared for since 2004. Florida child welfare administrators testified they would have approved the adoption but for Florida's ban, the only such state law still on the books. Though Florida law does not allow gay people to adopt, they are allowed to be foster parents, and many gay people have fostered children for years. Much of the testimony centered on conflicting interpretations of decades-worth of academic research on whether gay people can parent as successfully as straight people."

The case began in closed court at the beginning of October and followed a decision by a Circuit Court judge declaring the state's law unconstitutional in order to allow a gay Key West foster parent to adopt the son he and his partner had been caring for for seven years.

Lederman's ruling is expected to be appealed immediately and experts say it will go all the way to the Florida Supreme Court.

You may have missed...
More Challenges Underway to Florida's Gay Adoption Ban [tr]
Florida's First Gay Adoption [tr]
Judge Rules Florida Gay Adoption Ban Unconstitutional [tr]
(image miami herald)

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Marriage Equality Update: News from All Around

Prop 8 battle enters new stage: "What we're doing now is building a movement. There is more excitement and energy than I've seen in a long time about people coming together and wanting to have input as to what this movement looks like."

Project Postcard springing from Join the Impact: "Our friends at LGBTQ Civil Rights Front have come up with a brilliant way for us to ensure that LGBTQ issues aren't forgotten as President-elect Obama makes his transition into the White House. Their idea: buy a postcard from your home town, include a handwritten message, and mail it to Obama's Presidential Transition Office."

Cinemark Theatre to see picket this Saturday in Evanston, Illinois.

National "Day without a Gay" planned for December 10.

LDS Church has yet to respond to Equality Utah's press conference on the Mormon church's stated support of other gay rights. But new push for rights begins anyway...

GLAD: Group announces push for marriage equality throughout New England.

Bilerico is hosting a liveblog Thursday night with Kate Kendell, Nadine Smith and Barbara McCullough-Jones, three women who lead the efforts to defeat marriage amendments in California, Florida and Arizona.

Vermont lawmaker to introduce same-sex marriage bill: "Vermont state Sen. John Campbell says he's going to introduce a gay marriage bill when the Legislature convenes in January. Campbell says gay marriage is an important issue for many Vermonters, but he calls it a political land mine."

Christian who had her cross stomped in Palm Springs isn't pressing charges: "I will not press charges and I believe I'm doing what Christ did for us on the cross by saying, 'Father forgive them, they know not what they do.'"

Santa Cruz County joins suit seeking to overturn Proposition 8: "By unanimous vote, county supervisors chose to join the San Francisco lawsuit that seeks to undo Proposition 8, the recently passed constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. 'Santa Cruz County has once again stepped forward to make sure civil rights are enforced equally,' said a joyous Louis Bonsignore of Soquel, one of the many local residents, county employees and area clergy on hand to celebrate Tuesday's vote. For Bonsignore, like several others in the crowd, the vote was personal as he was among the first to wed under the state's short-lived gay marriage provisions. The board's action Tuesday, which was introduced by supervisors Neal Coonerty and Mark Stone, means the county will lend mostly symbolic support to the San Francisco lawsuit filed Nov. 5."

Showcasing a photo that could have been taken any day of the week, bigoted blog Dakota Voice highlights no-shows at Rapid City, South Dakota Prop 8 rally: "I don't usually have a whole lot of good things to say about homosexual activists around Rapid City or anywhere else for that matter; I just don't find anything to appreciate about undermining the moral fiber of society, undermining marriage and family, and legitimizing a lifestyle fraught with health hazards. But it looks like the homosexual community in the Rapid City area has opted for a responsible stance on Proposition 8...and stayed home. Some homosexual activists have been after me to say just one thing positive about homosexuals. Here you go. Credit where credit is due. Marriage and representative democracy are important, and we should respect both. I'm glad the homosexual community in Rapid City did." Well, the folks in Grand Forks, North Dakota didn't stay at home.

Dr. Phil dedicates entire episode to Prop. 8: "Frank Voci, founder of WhiteKnot.org, was in the audience for today’s taping and says the show was 'intense.' When audience members walked in, they had to choose sides — Yes or No on 8. Then, the producers physically divided the audience according to their philosophical/political positions. The show included commentary from Mayor Gavin Newsom and Gloria Allred as well as emotional audience participation." The show is scheduled to air this Friday.

Finally, Batboy was spotted at last weekend's rallies. (via pam)

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Fort Myers, Florida Sees Marriage Equality Protest of One

I'd just like to take a moment to salute our reader Jack, who was the sole protester at Fort Myers, Florida's City Hall on Saturday.

He writes: "Not much of a turnout in Ft Myers. I was the only one there at city hall. I did represent though."

I've received so many photos from readers I'm still updating our comprehensive gallery (and probably will be for the next week). We've also created a TowleroadTV widget - you can see it on the right of our front page - with a playlist of protest videos from around the country. I'll be updating that as well.

We also have a Flickr pool slideshow running HERE

Also, you may have noticed that the design on some of our pages is seriously jacked. We are aware of the issues and ask for your patience. We're trying to fix the issues. Thanks.

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Mark Foley Breaks Silence, Won't Accept Full Blame in Page Scandal

MArk Foley tells the AP he's "trying to find his way back" in the wake of the underage page scandal that forced his resignation from Congress in September 2006:

"Foley insists he did nothing illegal and never had sexual contact with teens, just inappropriate Internet conversations. Investigations by the FBI and Florida authorities ended without criminal charges. And while he concedes his behavior was 'extraordinarily stupid,' he remains somewhat unwilling to accept full public scorn. These were 17-year-olds, just months from being men, he insists. 'There was never anywhere in those conversations where someone said, 'Stop,' or 'I'm not enjoying this,' or 'This is inappropriate' ... but again, I'm the adult here, I'm the congressman,' Foley said. 'The fact is I allowed it to happen. That's where my responsibility lies.'"

Just months from being men.

Foley denies there is any hypocrisy involved, even though he was co-chair of the Congressional Missing and Exploited Children's Caucus which helped to create a law protecting children on the internet.

Says Foley: "The work I was doing was involving young children ... You know, you hear the term 'pedophile.' That is prepubescent. At the end of the day, they were instant messages that were extraordinarily inappropriate."

Adds Foley: "In public life, you dream of the day they'll name a hospital after you, or a bridge or a post office," Foley said, twisting a gold band on his ring finger identical to one his high-society dermatologist boyfriend wears. If I had a post office named after me today, they'd probably return to sender. It's not a pleasant place to be. It's not what I envisioned ... working this hard all my life to end up in an ash heap because of a momentary lapse of judgment."

Foley blames the "demons" inside him for doing what he did - those demons being sexual abuse by a priest, drinking, drugs, and cigarettes. He's been through a treatment program and now says he'll take it "a day at a time."

AFTER THE JUMP, the Mark Foley scandal in seven minutes.

AP Interview: Foley breaks silence on sex scandal [ap]

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News: Mars, Brokeback Opera, Arson, Louis Vuitton, Mormons

Michelangelo Signorile talks to a Mormon from Texas who donated to 'Yes on 8'. This is what we're up against.

Brokeback Mountain opera shelved.

Now we know who can play 'Joe the Plumber' in the McCain biopic.

Australian LGBT youth suicides at disturbingly high levels: "Open Doors surveyed 164 LGB students across the state, and 37 per cent of respondents said they had attempted suicide in the last 12 months, with 82 per cent considering taking their own life. The report also revealed a general attitude of fear among LGB students, with 81 per cent saying they had experienced bullying based on their sexuality."

Anti-gay graffiti discovered at torched home near Charlotte, North Carolina: "Fire investigators declared the home a total loss and sent samples from a bedroom to an SBI lab for testing. Meanwhile, sheriff's Maj. Coy Reid said detectives have one suspect in the case after conducting interviews. Found on a back wall of the house were graffiti of slang words referring to homosexuality. 'We're trying to figure out where that came from and if that is tied in with the fire,' Bump said."

Mayer in training.

Madonna to be the next face of Louis Vuitton? "According to tipsters, the Material Divorcée will be the face of Louis Vuitton’s Spring 2009 campaign and has already been shot by photo wonder duo Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott."

Holocaust survivors to Mormons: stop Baptisms of dead Jews.

Fear in Florida that the state could become home to immigrant population of five-inch Madagascar hissing cockroaches. In related news, Kentucky man moving to Florida.

Stevens vs. Begich: 90,000 more votes to be counted tomorrow in Alaska Senate race.

Mission over for Mars Lander: "Engineers have not heard from the craft since Sunday 2 November when it made a brief communication with Earth. Phoenix, which landed on the planet's northern plains in May, had been struggling in the increasing cold and dark of an advancing winter. The US space agency says it will continue to try to contact the craft but does not expect to hear from it."

McCaskill being discussed as DNC Chair Howard Dean's replacement when he steps down in January: "In sheer political terms, the choice really wasn’t Dean’s to make. Indeed, any decision on who will serve as the next DNC chair will come with directives from Obama and his aides. And a name being floated around as a possible Dean replacement is one of the president-elect’s closest allies: Claire McCaskill, the junior Senator from Missouri and a national co-chair of the Obama campaign."

CG Animated Wizard of Oz in the works: "The English-language adaptation maintains the tale's main characters and settings. Unlike the MGM classic, however, it's not a musical."

Levi's presents the "People's Premiere" of Milk. Blogger Joe.My.God attended it and has photos.

Naked Boys Singing and ACLU sues the city of Milwaukee for shutting down their show three years ago: "The city temporarily shut down performances of 'Naked Boys Singing!' in August 2005 while it considered the Milwaukee Gay Arts Center's application for a theater permit. The group later received a permit and reopened the show. Larry Dupuis, legal director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin, which is handling the case, said the city's enforcement seemed unusually zealous, even given the musical's content."

Brad Pitt roughed up by his own security detail?

Study on the failure rates of mobile phones.

Georgia GOP congressman calls Obama Marxist, warns of dictatorship.

Vancouver to rally against Fred Phelps and the Westboro Baptist Church, which continues its crusade against The Laramie Project.

Regular: Palin to have rummage sale?

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News: Robert Downey, Jr., Florida, Daniel Craig, Dogs, Cindy Sheehan

Schwarzenegger releases positions on California ballot measures.

Life? Electricity seen on Saturn moon.

Brit tabloid: Madonna made Guy Ritchie sign a marriage contract which included rules on how they should argue and what words they could use.

Downey Jr. as Sherlock Holmes.

Cindy Sheehan's night with Sean Penn at the Milk premiere.

Homophobic little league coaches un-suspended: "Garbacik’s [the superintendent who originally suspended the coaches] decision came after a two-month investigation that started with complaints a 12-year-old baseball player was being harassed. The boy’s parents contacted Garbacik in June after finding out their son was being called names such as 'gay, fag, homo and queer' by other players. Kaletha told Garbacik he was aware of the comments, but called it 'joking and humor' and 'just boys being boys.'"

Attorney General: Justices of the Peace in Connecticut must marry same-sex couples.

Manuel Muñoz wins Whiting Award for story collection The Faith Healer of Olive Avenue.

TIME: The Gay Mafia that's redefining politics.

Florida writer for the Huffington Post Carol Anne Burger murders former lover, then kills herself: "Burger killed her former lover by stabbing her 222 times with a Phillips-head screwdriver and then took pains to hide her crime, police said Wednesday. Jessica Kalish, who shared a house with Burger despite breaking up with her more than a year ago, was found last Thursday stuffed in the backseat of her gun-metal BMW sedan, abandoned behind a medical office at 2300 S. Congress Avenue. Her blood was splashed around the rear end and undercarriage of the car, as if her killer had tried to load her into the trunk. The driver-side window was shattered."

Ellen DeGeneres goes after Zac Efron's coiffure.

Long Island gay plumber poisons his ex-wife: " The mother of two, Maureen Steeves, 41, suffered massive damage to major organs and is brain dead. She isn't expected to recover. David Steeves said he hatched the plot to poison her because 'I can't stand the thought of her being with someone else,' according to Suffolk County police."

Daniel Craig is back as James Bond. Quantum of Solace premieres in London.

UK announces new rules barring spreaders of "extremism, hatred, and violence" from entering the country: "One of the main targets of the crackdown will be militant Muslim extremists, such as the radical preacher Omar Bakri Mohammed who is already banned from returning to Britain under existing rules. The curbs could also apply to extremists from other religions as well as neo-Nazis, animal rights activists and those with virulently anti-homosexual views whose inflammatory words might incite violence."

A fuzzy balls letdown.

U.S. Civil War vs. 2008 Election maps. (via Sullivan)

Gay man attacked in Plumstead UK suffers broken collarbone.

Researchers: Dogs only animals that can read emotion in human faces. "Research findings suggest that, like an understanding best friend, they can see at a glance if we are happy, sad, pleased or angry." Or when there are sausages coming.

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Bill Clinton Appears with Barack Obama in Orlando

Though his support immediately following the primaries was often questioned, Bill Clinton was on fire for Obama last night in central Florida. More than 35,000 were on hand according to the Miami Herald:

"Taking jabs at Republican nominee John McCain's choice of Sarah Palin as a vice presidential pick and denouncing the last eight years of President Bush's administration, Clinton echoed the rallying cries for ''change'' that have been a trademark of the Obama campaign. 'Folks, we can't fool with this,' Clinton told the boisterous crowd that braved the chilly conditions at Osceola Heritage Park. 'Our country is hanging in the balance, and we have so much promise and so much peril. This man should be our president.'"

Al Gore will rally for Obama Friday in Palm Beach.

Watch part of Clinton's speech, AFTER THE JUMP...

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'No on Prop 8' and Florida 'No on 2' Sites Under Coordinated Attack

The "No on Prop 8" website (and possibly Florida's "No on 2" site) was the victim of a coordinated denial-of-service attack at the height of fundraising efforts to defeat the anti-gay marriage ballot measure.

The campaign reports: "Today the NO on Prop 8 campaign’s Web site (http://www.noonprop8.com/) was the victim of what appears to be a coordinated attack designed to bring the system down. According to http://www.calitics.com/, the denial-of-service attack (DoS) on the NO on Prop 8 website occurred before 11:30pm, Wednesday, October 29th and coincides with a similar attack on Florida’s NO on 2 campaign, the Constitutional Amendment Against Marriage Equality. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, in a denial-of-service (DoS) attack, an attacker attempts to prevent legitimate users from accessing information or services. By targeting a computer and its network connection, or the computers and network of the sites, an attacker may be able to prevent someone from accessing email, web sites, online accounts (banking, etc.), or other services that rely on the affected computer. The most common and obvious type of DoS attack occurs when an attacker 'floods' a network with information."

As I mentioned yesterday, the "No on Prop 8" campaign is in DESPERATE NEED of $3 million in funds due to a last-minute surge of funding from the opposition.

DONATE HERE and help win this battle.

Also, tonight at midnight is the last night that Florida Red & Blue, the organization behind the battle against Amendment 2, which would ban same-sex marriage in Florida, can accept funding. They report that they need funds as well.

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Lawsuit Filed Against Florida 'Pro-Family' Group Over Marriage Ban

Late last week I mentioned that a complaint had been filed with the Florida Elections Commission that the group behind the measure to ban same-sex marriage in the state was using illegal means to hide the identity of its donors.

Today, word comes from the Florida Red & Blue, the bi-partisan, statewide organization running the SayNo2 campaign opposing Amendment 2, that they have filed suit in Miami-Dade County Circuit Court seeking immediate disclosure of its donors and an end to illegally funded campaign advertising:

"Florida Red & Blue is filing a lawsuit naming Florida4Marriage.org, the amendment's sponsor; the organization’s chairman John Stemberger; Florida Family Action, which although not registered as a politician action committee has raised and spent more than $750,000 to underwrite the pro-amendment campaign; Florida Family Action's officers and directors; and the Florida Family Policy Council. A September email from Stemberger linked these organizations together and advised prospective donors that contributions to Florida Family Action and the Florida Family Policy Council were “Confidential.” This secret scheme was intended to circumvent Florida’s campaign finance laws mandating transparency and disclosure of all contributions and donors. The suit filed today seeks a court order to compel Florida Family Action Committee and Florida Family Policy Council to disclose their donors and requests an emergency injunction to stop the expenditure of illegally obtained and expended funds, as well as to disgorge those illegal contributions. The lawsuit also seeks to terminate the continued broadcast of pro-amendment advertising, funded by these secret donations, but illegally identified as being paid for by Florida4Marriage.org."

SayNo2 [official site]

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Joe Biden to Anchor on 'Marxist' Question: 'Are You Joking?'

Joe Biden responded to an interrogation by WFTV-Orlando reporter Barbara West with incredulity as West spewed a relentless barrage of right-wing talking points. Said Biden: "I don't know who's writing your questions."

ANCHOR: How is Senator Obama not being a Marxist if he intends to spread the wealth around?

BIDEN: Are you joking? Is this a joke? Or is that a real question?

ANCHOR: No. That's a question.

BIDEN: He is not spreading the wealth around. He is talking about giving the middle class an opportunity to get back the tax breaks they used to have.

Watch it, AFTER THE JUMP...

The Obama campaign cancelled a scheduled WFTV interview with Jill Biden as a result.

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'No on Prop 8' Marriage Equality Update: Please Help

There has been so much activity this week in the campaign to defeat Proposition 8 this week that I haven't had a chance to post many of the items. Here's a round-up of those with today's news.

The campaign still needs your help. According to tracking from the 'No on Prop 8' campaign, Towleroad readers have donated $65,318.

You can donate by clicking HERE.

This weekend, there is a big 'Yes on 8' demonstration in Huntington Beach. I have been contacted by counter-protestors who would like people to join them with 'No on 8' signs to counter the anti-gay bigots, Sunday at noon at the Huntington Beach Pier.

Jennifer Schumaker, a lesbian mother of four in Escondido, California, has taken the 'No on Prop 8' battle to the streets (above): "Two years after she walked from San Diego to San Francisco to protest prejudice against homosexuals, Schumaker has begun spending weekday afternoons in downtown Escondido waving signs with messages supporting same-sex marriage. Since Schumaker began standing at the corner of Valley Parkway and Escondido Boulevard on Oct. 13, a growing number of local high school and college students have steadily joined her."

Apple has come out in opposition to Proposition 8 and made a $100,000 donation to the 'No on Prop 8' campaign.

Former GOP congressman Tom Campbell came out against Proposition 8 today in an editorial on Reason.com.

Earlier this week, the L.A. Times reported on the battle between Black clergy on the issue: "Two groups of African American ministers held dueling lunchtime news conferences in South Los Angeles on Tuesday to rally support for and against Proposition 8, which would amend the state Constitution to define marriage as between a man and a woman."

Glenn Fait, former GOP mayor and councilman of Folsom, California, comes out of the closet with an ad in the paper announcing he's gay and urges people to vote 'No' on Prop 8: "Fait, 65, said he felt so strongly about his opposition to Proposition 8, the ballot initiative that seeks to ban same-sex marriage, that he decided to out himself to the community where he has lived for more than 40 years. 'I think people will be surprised,' said Fait. The one-time president of the Rotary Club said he wanted to do something beyond donating and volunteering against the ballot measure. 'For weeks, I was trying to figure out what I can do and then I thought, well, I can do this.' Fait paid $660 for the quarter-page ad that ran Wednesday in the weekly Folsom Telegraph, which has a printing of 17,000. 'I have lived in Folsom most of my life,' the ad began. 'As a gay man, I have a personal interest in Proposition 8. My civil rights are at stake.'"

Who's behind anti-gay contributions in Orange County? Find out here.

A PETITION by the Courage Campaign to the Mormon church President Thomas Monson asking him to stop his faith's participation in the 'Yes on 8' campaign has been posted online.

Robert J. Birgeneau, the Chancellor of UC Berkeley, sent a message to the entire campus informing them of the impacts of Proposition 8: "Proposition 8 is in conflict with the principles of equity and inclusion to which our campus is committed. Berkeley supports the full inclusion and equal treatment of all members of our community and we have affirmed the position that any treatment of individuals that is not equal and inclusive is discriminatory. In denying a fundamental civil right, passage of Proposition 8 would undermine these principles, not just for our LGBTQ community, but for all racial, religious and cultural minorities and would harm the university as a whole."

Riding the Cultural Divide: What's at stake with Proposition 8.

GLAAD has donated $50,000 to fight Prop. 8. Said President Neil Giuliano: "GLAAD, our board of directors and staff are proud to stand alongside organizations and allies and play our part in ensuring all loving and committed couples in California continue to have the protections and respect that marriage provides. Defeating Proposition 8 is imperative to our quest for equality and we call on all our members and friends to support this campaign."

Good As You has a round-up of 'No on 8' clips.

Here is a round-up of recent clips on Prop 8

REPUBLICANS AGAINST 8: Republicans against 8 released this clip, "backwards," earlier this week.

ITZHAK PERLMAN: The world-famous violinist speaks out against Prop 8.

RELIGIOUS LEADERS: Clergy from across the state speak out.

GOT HOPE? I posted about this clip, based on a Harvey Milk quote, earlier this week.

IN FLORIDA:

A complaint has been filed with the Florida Elections Commission that the group behind the measure to ban same-sex marriage in the state is using illegal means to hide the identity of its donors: "Florida Red & Blue, which opposes the amendment that would add a definition of marriage to the Florida Constitution, contends that Florida4Marriage.org received more than $775,000 in contributions from Florida Family Action Inc., a not-for-profit 501c(4). Contributors to a 501c(4) can remain confidential, while those giving directly to Florida4Marriage .org are publicly reported. 'This is outrageous and an intentional attempt to keep donors secret,' said Derek Newton, campaign manager for Florida Red & Blue. 'Florida voters deserve to know who is funding this change to our state constitution.' John Stemberger, head of Florida4Marriage.org, dismissed the complaint as frivolous. He said the use of a 501c(4) organization to raise money for a constitutional amendment is legal and common throughout the country."

Opponents of same-sex marriage in the state are spreading the ugly message that if Amendment 2 fails "kids will be indoctrinated into the homosexual lifestyle": "John Stemberger, the force behind the proposed anti-gay marriage constitutional amendment on the Nov. 4 ballot, cited cases in other states where similar proposals failed, resulting in teachers of students as young as 7 years old using books about same-sex marriage to promote diversity in families."

You can donate by clicking HERE.

Vote No on Prop 102 [arizona]
No on 2 [florida]

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Please Watch: An Important Message from Harvey Milk

Check out this clip created by Dave O'Brien of CauseCast, who helped create the 'In the Moment' AIDS prevention soap episodes for the L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center which I featured earlier this year.

It's a graphic message based on a famous quote by Harvey Milk. Malak Quota and Brandon Buck did the animation and Michael Cheever did the music.

Watch it, AFTER THE JUMP...

In related news, the SF Chronicle has just published a huge gallery of Harvey Milk images from its collection.

Donate to the 'No on Prop 8' campaign HERE. [california]
Vote No on Prop 102 [arizona]
No on 2 [florida]

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Baptist Rally for Gay Marriage Ban Draws 700 in Florida

Organizers predicted thousands would show up to a rally in support of Florida's Amendment 2 at a Baptist church in Orlando, but the rally drew about 700, according to the Sentinel.

Bishop Harry Jackson, pastor of Hope Christian Church near Washington, D.C., and a national "pro-family" leader, spoke at the rally and released this statement:

"There is a national agenda by the homosexual lobby to break down and redefine the family. If we do not protect marriage now, then their agenda will advance and we will face a threat to our religious freedom to preach the full truth of God's word on issues like this."

John Stemberger who runs the campaign for Amendment 2, echoed Jackson's remarks: "We're not here against anyone. We're here for marriage. This is not a Democrat-Republican issue. It's a human issue. It's a moral issue."

According to the paper, "Stemberger said many people from black churches who would have ordinarily been there may have instead chosen to attend the Barack Obama rally that drew tens of thousands at Amway Arena."

'Yes on 2's most recent ad claims that "no one loses benefits" and the amendment simply changes the language in the constitution. It's a lie (see 'No on 2' ad I posted yesterday). See them both, AFTER THE JUMP...

'Yes on 2' ad:

'No on 2' ad:

No on 2 [official site]

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POLL: Florida Anti-Gay Marriage Amendment Lacks Votes to Pass

A Sun Sentinel and Florida Times-Union poll shows that Amendment 2, which would amend Florida's constitution to ban same-sex marriage, currently lacks the numbers to pass:

"The poll of 600 likely voters shows support for Amendment 2 at 53 percent, less than the 60 percent approval rate required to change the constitution...Backers of the gay-marriage ban say the poll should be a wakeup call to conservatives to vote. Opponents say the poll shows they have made progress in explaining that the proposal could jeopardize domestic partnership benefits that many governments and companies offer straight and gay employees. Gay marriage has been prohibited under state law for more than a decade, but supporters say a constitutional amendment would protect the law from court challenges. The amendment would define marriage as between a man and a woman and would say that no "substantial equivalent" is legal either. Opponents fear that if the amendment passes, conservatives will raise legal challenges to domestic partnership benefits, from health insurance to hospital visitation rights."

Check out the latest "No on 2" ad, AFTER THE JUMP...

Previously
Michael Schiavo Takes Stand Against Florida's Amendment 2 [tr]
Jim Naugle Leads Florida Democrats Against Same-Sex Marriage [tr]

Say No on 2 [official site]

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News: Space, Katy Perry, Torture, Hong Kong, Wentworth Miller

GQ's photographic portrait of the '08 campaign.

Given the subject matter an tone of some of these, I'd rename the list "most powerful" rather than best, but here they are. Vanity Fair's slideshow of the 25 best news photographs.

Outer space smells like hot metal and fried steak: "Nasa asked Steven Pearce, the managing director of Omega Ingredients, which makes fragrances, to recreate the scent after hearing of his work creating smells for an art exhibition in July, one of which was of the inside of the Mir space station. Mr Pearce is interviewing astronauts to help him with his task. 'We have already produced the smell of fried steak, but hot metal is proving more difficult,' he said. 'We think it’s a high-energy vibration in the molecule.'"

Katy Perry dives on a gigantic pink cake.

Religious leaders in Florida come out against anti-gay Amendment 2, which would place a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage: "Florida Clergy for Fairness, a group of interfaith clergy, say that Amendment 2 is mean-spirited and an infringement upon the religious freedoms of all Floridians. 'Hatred and bigotry are the motivations behind this,' said Father Frank Corbishley, an Episcopal Chaplain at the University of Miami, during a conference call with reporters Thursday morning. 'It's sending a dangerous message about intolerance.'""

Wentworth Miller causes hysteria in China.

Musical indie film Once coming to Broadway.

The pink bunny you can see from space.

Hong Kong sees sharp rise in HIV infections among gay men: "Four percent of Hong Kong's gay and bisexual men are HIV-positive and genetic analyses of virus samples found three HIV strains circulating in the local community."

James Bond