Monday 31 December 2012

Di-ve: British Archbishop calls gay marriage 'Orwellian'

http://di-ve.com/news/british-archbishop-calls-gay-marriage-orwellian
31 | 12 | 2012 at 11:13; Article By: di-ve.com news editorial@di-ve.com

Leader of the Catholic church in England and Wales, Archbishop of Westminster Vincent Nichols has described the Government's plans for gay marriage as 'Orwellian' in his Christmas Day message. He urged his followers to send letters to wheir MP's opposing plans for gay marriange.

Sunday 30 December 2012

Times: Gay couples tie the knot in Maine

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20121229/world/gay-couples-tie-the-knot-in-maine.451189
Saturday, December 29, 2012, 13:36 by PA



After waiting years and seeing marriage rights nearly awarded and then retracted, gay couples in Maine's largest city did not have to wait a moment longer than necessary to wed, with licences issued at the stroke of midnight as the law went into effect.

Times: Is Pope Benedict a homophobe?

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20121229/blogs/is-pope-benedict-a-homophobe.451188
Saturday, December 29, 2012, 09:58 by Fr Joe Borg

The Pope’s speech to the members of the Roman Curia on December 21 brought with it accusations that the Pope is a homophobe. It is not the first time that he had been so accused; in my opinion, mistakenly.

It is said that the word homophobe was coined by George Weinberg, a psychologist, in the 1960s. It describes a person who fears or hates homosexuals and homosexuality. It includes an attitude of contempt for homosexuals and is evidenced in hostile behaviour such as discrimination and violence. Some say that homophobes are closet gays.

Saturday 29 December 2012

BBC News: Uruguay gay marriage vote postponed until April

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-20849647
27 December 2012 Last updated at 07:57 GMT

Gay rights campaigners criticised the delay in voting on the bill

Uruguay's Senate has delayed until April a vote on a bill that would legalise gay marriage, amid calls for further analysis of the proposal.

The Marriage Equality Law, approved on 11 December by the lower house, was backed by the governing coalition.

Wednesday 26 December 2012

Gay Star News: Dutch minister slams Pope for gay hate Christmas message

Netherlands foreign affairs minister Frans Timmermans blasts head of the Catholic Church for gay marriage attack


Dutch foreign affairs minister Frans Timmermans has slammed the Pope for attacking gays in his annual Christmas message.

The head of the Catholic Church is calling on faith groups to unite against same-sex marriage, saying the legislation which is being passed around the world is a threat to the survival of the human race.

Times: Love at Confused.com

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20121225/blogs/love-at-confused-com.450900
Tuesday, December 25, 2012, 11:45 by Alison Bezzina

I tried to wait it out, I really, really did.

I tried with all my might to let the Christmas season go by without commenting about the Pope’s latest attack on gay marriage....you know the one in which he unceremoniously says that gays are people who manipulate their God-given gender to suit their sexual choices.

Malta Today: Homophobic bullying still a problem in schools, MEPs told

Homophobic bullying in Maltese schools remains a problem that deserves attention, a report for MEPs mapping out “an EU roadmap for equality” states.http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/en/newsdetails/news/national/Homophobic-bullying-still-a-problem-in-schools-MEPs-told-20121224
Tuesday 25 December 2012 - 16:59 by Matthew Vella


Homophobic bullying: a problem in schools.

The 2012 study, prepared for members of the European Parliament in the civil liberties committee, claims a negative attitude towards homosexuality can be found in relation to teachers and schools, even in countries where the general attitude is more positive.

Times: Gay marriage plans in England and Wales a 'shambles'

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20121225/world/gay-marriage-plans-in-england-and-wales-a-shambles.450898
Tuesday, December 25, 2012, 09:21 by PA



The leader of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales has described the Government's plans for gay marriage as undemocratic and a "shambles".

Archbishop of Westminster Vincent Nichols made the comments in an interview with the BBC.

Times: Gay marriage pioneer Adams dies

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20121224/world/gay-marriage-pioneer-adams-dies.450750
Monday, December 24, 2012, 07:48 by PA

Richard Adams, who used the altar and the courtroom to help begin the push for gay marriage 40 years before it reached the centre of America's consciousness has died.

Mr Adams, 65, died on December 17 after a brief illness in the Hollywood home he shared with Tony Sullivan, his partner of 43 years, his lawyer Lavi Soloway said.

Independent: Pope takes anti Gay Marriage stance to a new level

http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2012-12-21/news/pope-takes-anti-gay-marriage-stance-to-new-level-565673989/
Friday, 21 December 2012, 15:43 , by Nicole Winfield, Associated Press


UPDATE 1

The pope pressed his opposition to gay marriage Friday, denouncing what he described as people manipulating their God-given identities to suit their sexual choices — and destroying the very "essence of the human creature" in the process.

Times: Court delays ban on gay therapy

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20121222/world/court-delays-ban-on-gay-therapy.450475
Saturday, December 22, 2012, 09:04 by PA

A US appeal court has blocked a first-of-its-kind California law that bans therapy aimed at turning gay youngsters straight.

A three-judge panel of the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals issued an emergency order putting the law on hold until the court could hear full arguments on whether the measure was constitutional.

All Out: We can't believe it


Wow. We're blown away. When All Out members step up they really go ALL OUT. In less than 5 days, more than 2,000 of you helped answer the challenge to unlock an amazing $50,000 to fight anti-gay laws worldwide. We can't tell you how much impact this will have in the fight to legalize love – everywhere.

Malta Star: Pope says gay unions 'harm peace'

http://www.maltastar.com/dart/20121216-pope-says-gay-unions-harm-peace
Sunday, 16 Dec 2012, 06:02

Pope Benedict XVI came under fire from gay-rights campaigners on Friday for suggesting that attempts to give gay unions the same status as marriages between men and women pose a threat to justice and peace.

"There is also a need to acknowledge and promote the natural structure of marriage as the union of a man and a woman in the face of attempts to make it juridically equivalent to radically different types of union," the pope said in his message for World Day of Peace 2013, which was presented by the Holy See on Friday.

Times: Rights and wrongs in cohabitation Bill

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20121217/opinion/Rights-and-wrongs-in-cohabitation-Bill.449874
Monday, December 17, 2012 by Joanne Vella Cuschieri

Cohabitation and LGBT rights have been a topic of intense discussion after the Government, following pressure by other political parties and organisations, submitted a draft law to be discussed in Parliament.
This law creates further discrimination between citizens simply based on their sexual orientation
- Joanne Vella Cuschieri
Lately, I was invited to discuss the subject on a TV programme. As soon as I noted this on Facebook, I was asked what link I had with these subjects; whether I was part of the LGBT community and what contribution I could give if I were not. I was outraged at such questions.
Cohabitation rights do not only concern persons from the LGBT community but also heterosexual couples who, for some reason or other, never got married, perhaps not out of choice. Being a practising lawyer within the Family Court I daily encounter persons who are not married but have problems with their partners. So far, the law provides for a dispute resolution system only in those cases where the children’s rights are involved. Otherwise, the law completely omits any rights or duties pertaining to these people during or after the termination of their cohabitation.

Tuesday 25 December 2012

HAPPY CHRISTMAS

Wishing all the readers a peaceful, serene and healthy time.

Thank You.

DR ING PATRICK ATTARD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=jX7p8_z7rjc

Saturday 22 December 2012

MGRM: Christmas Drinks

Malta Gay Rights Movement (MGRM)


Christmas Drinks
Come Celebrate this year's achievements with
 
MGRM, WE ARE, aditus, DRACHMA, DRACHMA Parents, LGBT Labour @ Tom Bar this Sunday 23rd December from 17:30 till 21:00.
 
 
Season's Greetings
 
 
Thank you for your support throughout this past year.
MGRM

Thursday 13 December 2012

YouTube: Gay Parents Bashed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zhl9MLno424



What would you do if you saw gay parents berated by a waitress?

Independent UK: British Government to Legalize Same Sex-Marriage

http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2012-12-11/news/british-government-to-legalize-same-sex-marriage-523075587/



Tuesday, 11 December 2012, 18:40

The British government announced Tuesday that it will introduce a bill next year legalizing gay marriage — but banning the Church of England from conducting same-sex ceremonies.

Equalities minister Maria Miller said the legislation would authorize same-sex civil marriages, as well as religious ceremonies if religions decide to "opt in."

BBC News: Uruguay gay marriage bill approved in lower house

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-20691378
12 December 2012 Last updated at 09:07 GMT

Gay rights campaigners now hope the bill will pass in the Senate

Uruguay has moved closer to legalising gay marriage after the lower house of Congress approved a law making all marriages equal.

The measure, which was passed by a wide margin, now goes to the Senate where it is expected to be approved.

Times: Cohabitation among 15 Bills put on hold

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20121211/local/Cohabitation-among-15-Bills-put-on-hold.449085
Tuesday, December 11, 2012 by Christian Peregin



Cohabitants and whistleblowers will have to wait until the next legislature for the legal protection they have been promised for years, due to the outcome of last night’s failed Budget vote.

The Bills to regulate cohabitation and grant protection to whistleblowers are among 15 legislative changes, which will be dropped due to the expected dissolution of Parliament.

Malta Today: Cyrus Engerer’s homosexuality ‘put off’ minister

Former PN activist says minister refused to employ him within his ministry due to his sexual orientation.
http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/en/newsdetails/news/national/Cyrus-Engerer-s-homosexuality-put-off-Minister-20121208
Sunday 9 December 2012 - 17:30 by Julia Farrugia


Labour activist Cyrus Engerer.

Former Sliema deputy mayor and PN activist Cyrus Engerer says that three years ago he was refused employment with an unnamed minister because he is gay.

In an interview with Sunday newspaper Illum, Cyrus Engerer recalls resigning from his original job to start working within the particular ministry.

Sunday 9 December 2012

Times: Washington gays licensed to wed

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20121207/world/washington-gays-licensed-to-wed.448618
Friday, December 7, 2012, 09:26 by PA



Hundreds of same-sex couples across Washington state collected licences as a voter-approved law legalising gay marriage took effect.

Thursday 6 December 2012

Advocate: Op-ed: Reluctant Social Commentary of a Newly HIV-Positive 20-Something

What runs through the mind of a 28-year-old newly diagnosed with HIV?
http://www.advocate.com/health/here-inspire/2012/12/03/reluctant-social-commentary-newly-hiv-positive-20-something?page=0,0
BY TYLER CURRY, DECEMBER 03 2012 6:00 AM ET 
 In the modern homo-arena of fabulous fundraisers, extravagant vacations and Cross-fit courses, the conversation of HIV has almost become associated with bad social etiquette.  After all, the insidious connotations associated with HIV have seemed to all but fade away. We can all remember the horror stories about funeral after funeral, with half of the faces at Sunday brunch disappearing within a matter of months...but that was then.  Now, our Sunday brunch tables are full of pretty faces, salacious bedtime stories, mimosas and high T-cell counts, regardless of status.

Advocate: Angela Merkel Says No to Repairing Inequality

Newly reelected by her party and seeking a third term as chancellor, Angela Merkel walked away from a chance to lead on treating same-sex couples equally with straight couples in tax law.
http://www.advocate.com/politics/marriage-equality/2012/12/05/german-chancellor-angela-merkel-says-no-equality-gay-couples
BY LUCAS GRINDLEY, DECEMBER 05 2012 12:36 AM ET



That's a no.

In this photo taken by the AFP, German Chancellor Angela Merkel holds up a voting card on Tuesday and sides with those in her party, the Christian Democratic Union, who decided against treating same-sex couples the same as straight couples under tax law.

Guardian: Washington same-sex marriage signed into law

Law takes effect on Thursday when gay and lesbian couples can collect wedding certificates and licences from county auditors
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/06/washington-same-sex-marriage-law
Associated Press in Washington
Thursday 6 December 2012 03.48 GMT


Govenor Chris Gregoire signs Referendum 74, a citizen-passed measure that legalises same-sex marriage in Washington Photograph: Elaine Thompson/AP

Govenor Chris Gregoire has signed into law a measure that legalises same-sex marriage in Washington state, which now joins several other US states that allow gay and lesbian couples to wed.

Gregoire and Secretary of State Sam Reed certified the election on Wednesday afternoon, as they were joined by couples who plan to wed and community activists who worked on the campaign supporting gay marriage.

Saturday 1 December 2012

Leħen is-Sewwa: Editorjal: Attakk fuq il-valuri Nsara

1.12.12 ?

Il-konferma tal-għażla tal-Kummisarju Ewropew Malti Tonio Borg din id-darba ma kenitx waħda faċli. Il-pajjiż kollu għadda minn mument xejn sabiħ. Mument fejn b'mod jew ieħor kien attakkat il-valur Nisrani. Dak il-valur li l-parti l-kbira tagħna, il-Maltin u l-Għawdxin, tant għadna nħaddnu b'imħabba. B'għozza.

[Kompli aqra...]

Times: US gay marriage fight is taken to high court

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20121130/world/US-gay-marriage-fight-is-taken-to-high-court.447568
Friday, November 30, 2012 by Chantal Valery



The US Supreme Court meets today to decide how it will handle challenges to the status of gay marriages, at a time when thousands of American same-sex couples have already tied the knot.

Guardian: Record numbers of UK gay men test positive for HIV

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/nov/29/uk-gay-men-test-positive-hiv-record-numbers

• Almost half of new cases are gay or bisexual males
• Up to 10,000 unaware of their infection, says study

Sarah Boseley, health editor
The Guardian, Thursday 29 November 2012

Regular HIV testing for at-risk groups is strongly recommended by health organisations and charities, as starting treatment early is crucial. Photograph: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

The number of gay men being diagnosed with HIV has reached a record high in the UK, according to the Health Protection Agency (HPA).

Libya Herald: Nawasi brigade pledges to hand arrested ‘homosexuals’ over to Ministry of Justice

http://www.libyaherald.com/2012/11/27/nawasi-brigade-pledges-to-hand-arrested-homosexuals-over-to-ministry-of-justice/
Tripoli, 27 November 2012 By George Grant.



A picture purporting to be of the arrested men posted on the Nawasi Brigade’s Facebook page. Today, the post had been deleted.

Twelve alleged homosexuals arrested by one of Tripoli’s most powerful brigades will be handed over to the Ministry of Justice, a senior member of the group has told the Libya Herald.