News: Marriage Money, Jennifer Lopez, Rupert's Apology, Disney Land

Microsoft, Delta and Wells Fargo all leave anti-gay shopping site Christian Values Network; will Apple follow?

Actor Tom Hardy looks every bit the part for his new movie, Warrior.

As the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island orders gay priests to marry, other New York churches are grappling with how to adapt to the state's marriage equality law.

New York Republican lawmakers who backed marriage equality are raking in massive donations, and now social conservatives are calling for an investigation into whether Mike Bloomberg and other well-moneyed LGBT allies "bought" their votes.

Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony have called it quits after seven years of marriage.

'Real Housewife' Countess Luann gets a gay send-up.

Arts and crafts have never been more fun, ever.

Gay MP Chris Bryant: the man behind Rupert Murdoch's fall?

In other Rupert Murdoch news, the media titan, or someone writing for him, penned an apology for the News of the World's hacking scandal: "We are sorry for the serious wrongdoing that occurred. We are deeply sorry for the hurt suffered by the individuals affected." Right.

Idelfonso Mendez, who's accused of leading a gruesome anti-gay hate crime in the Bronx last year, is suing the city after he allegedly broke his wrist during a car accident while being transported by the NYPD.

Gay presidential candidate Fred Karger takes on Marcus Bachmann.

Billy Elliot writer Lee Hall's unnecessarily controversial gay opera opened in London. And, no, the sky did not fall.

Microsoft's social network plan accidentally hits the web.

Missy Elliot and Spice make beautiful music.

Modern Family actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson celebrated his Emmy nomination with a trip to Disney World.

Jamaican cop revokes comment linking gays to organized crime.

U.S. Ambassador to Jamaica Speaks Out Against Anti-Gay Hate

From a quite encouraging editorial by U.S. Ambassador to Jamaica Pamela Bridgewater, printed in yesterday's Jamaica Observer:

We have all read or heard of examples around the world where there has been violence perpetrated against individuals simply because of their sexual orientation.

This is, sadly, all too common. It is equally disheartening that those human rights activists defending the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people also face harassment and arrest. Also disturbing are journalists and artistes who incite hatred and violence through veiled writings and musical lyrics.

As a life-long Christian, I sometimes struggle with the religious beliefs which seem to be at odds with tolerance. Then I simply consider afresh the gospel of love, which convinces me that tolerance is in accordance with Christian faith and practice; it is at the core of Christianity. Tolerance does not ask us to abandon our faith or our values.

I understand well that every nation has its own moral standards and no nation should ignore its own moral compass. But there is also a universal moral standard that crosses all political borders. As we come into the fullness of our humanity, we must not allow hatred and violence to be what defines us. For me, it simply boils down to my belief in and hope that we all follow the advice of Matthew 7:12, and treat others as we would wish ourselves to be treated. That is why such action is called "golden".

Reaffirming the 'Golden Rule' on International Day Against Homophobia [jamaica observer]

News: Robert Pattinson, Belarus, Mary Bonauto, Iowa, Moby

Iowa poll: Voters ambivalent on same-sex marriage.

Jamaican gay bar raided by police: "Around 20 officers kicked in doors, shouted anti-gay slurs, beat and pistol-whipped patrons, and made everyone leave, J-FLAG said. As the customers fled, patrons of nearby straight clubs pelted them with bottles and rocks, J-FLAG said."

Belarus President told gay German foreign minister Guido Westerwelle to turn straight: "Lukashenko recently acknowledged the incident, telling reporters that he dislikes 'faggots' and confirming he told Westerwelle 'it is necessary to live a normal life.'"

Calvin Klein and Nick Gruber head to the beach in Miami.

King's Speech director responds to the news that he shot his movie on the same set as the UK gay porn film Snookered: "It was the right set for me and it was the right set for them."

Banksy caught on camera in Santa Monica?

Watch: Katy Perry's surprise performance with PS22 on Oprah.

Obama's DOMA shift puts GLAD lawyer Mary Bonauto in spotlight: "For more than 20 years, Bonauto, now 49, has been a fixture of the Massachusetts gay rights crusade. Her work on behalf of the Boston-based Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders has garnered her a reputation as the region’s most influential gay rights lawyer."

Activists pack confrontational Anoka-Hennepin school board meeting in Minnesota over district's treatment of gays.

Anti-gay hate group MassResistance and Carl Paladino rabbi Yehuda Levin revive campaign against William Finn musical Falsettos.

First look: Britney Spears in V magazine.

Gay Danish porn star Carsten Andersson tries for pop music career.

Scholar: The earliest gay rights movement started in 19th century Germany. "According to Beachy, modern conceptions of homosexuality began, ironically, with an anti-sodomy law. When the German empire was unified in 1871, the Imperial Criminal Code included a law prohibiting sexual penetration of one man by another. Questions about what types of activity should fall under the law spurred a sustained public inquiry into the nature of same-sex eroticism and sexuality in general."

Elton John's kid and Neil Patrick Harris' kids have play dates.

Pattinson dons alligator for Vanity Fair.

Design god Jonathan Ive leaving Apple?

Study: Half of men may be infected with HPV. "HPV infection is best known as the primary cause of cervical cancer, the second most common cancer in women worldwide. But various strains of HPV also cause anal, penile, head and neck cancers. Vaccinating men and boys would prevent some of these cancers."

Rep. Rush Holt (D-NJ) beats Jeopardy super-computer Watson.

Moby:Major music labels should just die.

VIDEO: In cruel display, Panama footballer kicks live mascot owl on field. Owl dies, athlete may get jail time.

ONION: Gay hordes drag helpless citizens from marriages After Obama drops DOMA. "It was just awful—they smashed through our living room window, one of them said 'I've had my eye on you, Roger,' and then they dragged my husband off kicking and screaming."

Anti-Gay Singer Buju Banton Wins Reggae Grammy, Faces Drug and Gun Trial Today

Anti-gay 'murder music' singer Buju Banton won a Grammy award last night:

"Banton won the prestigious award for Best Reggae Album for his project, Before The Dawn. This was his first Grammy award, having been nominated in previous years for Rasta Got Soul in 2009; Too Bad in 2007; Friends For Life, 2004; and Inna Heights, 1999. "He is elated, man," one member of Banton's entourage told the Observer. The announcement of the Reggae Grammy was made hours before the Grammy Awards show in Los Angeles, California last night."

The controversy surrounding Banton stems primarily from a song called "Boom Boom Bye" in which he sings about shooting gay men in the head, pouring acid on them and burning them alive.

Banton's drug trial resumes this morning in Tampa. He faces up to 20 years if convicted:

Just last week, Judge Jim Moody ruled against a motion by Buju’s legal team seeking to dismiss a superseding indictment. As a result of the ruling by Moody, who will preside over the trial, Buju will now be facing four counts instead of the two for which he was originally tried last September.

The five-time Grammynominated artiste, whose real name is Mark Myrie, had originally been tried on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, and aiding and abetting the possession of a firearm during a drug-trafficking offence.

He will now be tried for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine; attempted possession with the intent to distribute cocaine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drugtrafficking offence; and using the wires to facilitate a drugtrafficking offence.

The Miami Herald reports that Banton has gays in mind when he references his troubles:

In Jamaica, some fans have theorized Banton was framed by the U.S. government or gay activists who have protested violent, homophobic lyrics from early in Banton's career as a brash dancehall singer. Shows in several U.S. cities were canceled on his 2009 tour because of the protests.

Banton jabbed at his detractors during his Jan. 16 performance in Miami, referencing one of his controversial songs and the messiah of his Rastafarian faith.

He said: "Why they want to see Buju Banton cry? Is it because I said 'Boom Bye Bye'? Is it because I say Selassie I? Is it because I'm black and not shy?"

News: Lady Gaga, Gay Cruise, Ron Paul, Jamaica, Egypt

Lady Gaga to give birth in music video for "Born This Way?"

Drug bust on the "world's largest gay cruise."

Sign in UK causes outcry: "A hotel owner has caused uproar in his village after putting up a sign outside the building saying 'Poofters welcome here'. Mike Saqui meant the sign to be a pointed reference to the case where a Cornish B&B owner refused to let in gay couples. But many in his village in Hampshire's New Forest were left outraged and he was given a strong talking to by the police."

Marriage Equality supporters plan valentine's Day demonstration in San Francisco.

Looters stole 18 items from the Egyptian Museum during Egypt's recent social unrest.

Ron Paul wins the straw poll at CPAC.

Sarah Palin hires chief of staff of her political action committee.

Matthew Morrison, Darren Criss and others attend Barbra Streisand tribute.

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key speaks at Big Gay Out.

Former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson criticizes President Obama's action on DADT: "I think the dialogue was advanced, but when it came to 'don't ask, don't tell,' I would've let that court ruling stand."

Adam Lambert attends pre-Grammys bash.

Mickey Rourke speaks further about the development of the new Gareth Thomas biopic: “I’m meeting Gareth’s parents and his family tomorrow in a box to watch the game. This is an incredibly important story about equality and it’s something I want to make happen. We’re working on the script, the treatment and we have the producers on board. I’m very excited to see Gareth play – it’s a first.”

Not a surprise but a study reveals that anti-gay states are unhealthy.

Increase in the number of Jamaican gays seeking asylum in the United States.

News: Unabomber's Land, Steve Martin's Explanation and Hillary's Wikileaks Joke

Gay activists in Jamaica report that one of their allies was found fatally stabbed in Kingston. "While the reason behind his death is not yet known, allegations are that his life had been under threat for some time," said Dane Lewis, director of Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays.

Forget the Godfather house. You can now buy the Unabomber's 1.4 acres of land for $69,500. The real estate agents are calling the shed and its 1.4 acres it a piece of "infamous U.S. history," because, you know, it was headquarters for a deranged domestic terrorist. What a find!

Steve Martin explains the details behind his recent discussion at the 92nd Street Y, an appearance audience members deemed "boring."

Chris Barron, leader of gay Republican group GOProud, supports Bristol Palin in the Palin versus Cho virtual challenge. Barron thinks Palin "kicks ass."

A gay couple held a marriage ceremony in Texas, where there's no same-sex nuptials, while their minister Skyped in from Washington D.C., which allows gay marriage, and now they're surprised to learn the whole thing doesn't count. Uh-huh...

Young Americans have long known bullies use the internet for ill; now their parents are catching up.

Baptist Minister Richard Davis explains how a lesbian friend helped him shed his homophobia.

Wayne State University, Helen Thomas' alma mater, says they will no longer give the "Helen Thomas Spirit of Diversity Award" after the journalist's latest set of "anti-semitic" remarks. Thomas reportedly said last week, "Congress, the White House and Hollywood, Wall Street are owned by the Zionists. No question."

TSA gives Ryan Gosling a pat down. Just doing their job, surely.

Hillary Clinton made light of Wikileaks while hosting last night's dinner for the Kennedy Center Honors. "I am writing a cable about [tonight], which I'm sure you'll find soon on your closest website," the Secretary of State said to the crowd, which included honorees Oprah Winfrey and Paul McCartney.

Have 37,000 people really signed a petition demanding Apple reinstate the anti-gay Manhattan Declaration app?

Harry Reid compared John McCain's ridiculous, ever-evolving opposition of Don't Ask, Don't Tell's repeal to how Peanuts character Lucy yanks the football out from under Charlie Brown. "Aaugh," is right, Chuck.

Proposition 8 Trial: The Sequel starts tomorrow. Will the appeals court be persuaded to keep the gay marriage ban, or will they side with equality? Tune in to Towleroad to find out!