Catholic School Rejects Newly-Appointed President Over Speculation He's Gay

Regis Catholic Schools in Wisconsin announced on April 4 that its new president would be Tim Nelson, a decision they reportedly revoked last week because of speculation that he's gay.

The Leader Telegram reports:

Regis officials indicated someone had given them information showing that a man's name was listed in parentheses behind Nelson's in the survivor list of his father's obituary 2½ years ago, and they told him that is typically the way a gay partner is listed in an obituary, Nelson said. Nelson said he explained to Konopa that he considered the man his best friend and that the man was close to Nelson's family.

They add:

Nelson...said Friday he was "flabbergasted" when system officials informed him nearly three weeks later they intended to revoke his contract because of concerns about his sexual orientation.

"The whole thing is based on assumptions, innuendo and speculation," an obviously upset Nelson said by telephone from New Mexico, where he has worked as supervising principal of a group of American Indian community schools for the past eight years.

Regis denied the allegations Friday in a statement.

"Regis Catholic Schools denies that any assumptions, insinuations or speculation played a part in its decision to not hire Mr. Nelson," the statement said. "Furthermore, Regis Catholic Schools categorically denies that sexual orientation was a part in its decision. Mr. Nelson's speculation is unfounded and untrue."

The school system has announced his replacement.

Wisconsin Church Cancels Former NFL Player LeRoy Butler's Speech Over Tweet Supporting Jason Collins

Former Green Bay Packers safety LeRoy Butler says a Wisconsin church canceled a speaking engagement he had with them because he congratulated gay NBA center Jason Collins on Twitter after his coming out.

Writes Butler:

“Wow, I was scheduled to speak at a church in WI, and a member said that the pastor wants to cancel my event. I said ok why? Then I was told, because I said congrats to Jason Collins on Twitter,” Butler wrote. “I said really? we have a contract, he said check the moral cause, FYI the fee was $8,500, then I was told if I removed the tweet, and apologize and ask god forgiveness, I can have the event. I said no, only god can judge.”

Butler played eleven years with the Packers and invented the "Lambeau Leap" touchdown celebration.

Paul Ryan Supports Gay Adoption But Doesn't Want the Kids to Have Married Parents: VIDEO

Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) spoke to a town hall in Wisconsin on Monday and was asked about his positions on ENDA, gay adoption, and same-sex marrage, Think Progress reports.

Ryan told the audience that he supports ENDA, and voted for it, but would have to take another look at it when you add transgender protections. He also said that he supports gay adoption, something he voted against in his first term.

He does not, however, support those adopted kids having married parents.

Said Ryan: "I do believe that if there are children who are orphans who do not have a loving person or couple I think if a person wants to love and raise a child they ought to be able to do that. Period. I would vote that way. I do believe marriage is between a man and a woman, we just respectfully disagree on that issue."

Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...

University of Wisconsin-Madison's Bell Tower Plays 'Game of Thrones': VIDEO

Game of Thrones fans at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have a kindred spirit in Lyle Anderson, who plays the carillon's 56 bells and honors the show's theme song.

Anderson has been UW-Madison's official carillonneur for almost 30 years, and YouTube commenters are enjoying his striking resemblance to the Commander of the Night's Watch.

Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...

Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI) Comes Out for Marriage Equality

Representative Ron Kind (D-WI) has come out for marriage equality and announced he'll support DOMA repeal legislation in a message on Facebook:

My 18-year marriage to Tawni has taught me that we’re both stronger because we love and support each other. I support marriage equality because if two people want to make a lifetime commitment to love and care for one another, then the government shouldn't stand in the way.

As the Supreme Court deliberates the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act and Proposition 8, I’m reminded that throughout history, discrimination has never worked. I have never voted for discrimination, and I look forward to supporting legislation like the Respect for Marriage Act that will help committed same-sex couples gain the same rights as everyone else.

There are just seven House Democrats now who have not taken a position on same-sex marriage. They are Reps. Jim Costa (CA), Cedric Richmond (LA), Kurt Schrader (OR), David Scott (GA), Terry Sewell (AL), Bennie Thompson (MS), and freshman Filemon Vela (TX).

Homophobes Raise Stink About Drag Show in Wisconsin So Dan Savage Ensures it Sells Out: VIDEO

The University of Wisconsin Fox Valley is holding a drag show tonight featuring Shangela from RuPaul's Drag Race and local homophobes are raising a major stink about it, John Becker reports.

So much so that their bigotry is getting covered by the local news.

When Becker posted about it on Facebook it caught the attention of Dan Savage, who reportedly helped the show sell out by purchasing all the remaining tickets and donate them to the school to give away to students and community members.

Watch the local news report on the show, AFTER THE JUMP...