Straight, Not Narrow

The blog Straight, Not Narrow has picked up on something I wrote on Bilerico. I wonder how many straight married couples secretly agree with the premise that the glorification of marriage is undeserved.

Susan Gibbs, did you laugh or cry while you typed this mess?

It's been a long time since I've had to wallow through gibberish this thick. In case you've fogotten, the archdiocese of Washington threatened to deny social services in DC if gay marriage passed. With today's vote, it will most certainly become a reality, so the archdiocese has released this ridiculous, hilarious and pitiful bit of caving-and-face-saving. Enjoy.

Legalization of Same Sex Marriage in the Nation’s Capital


Archdiocese Remains Committed to Serving Poor




December 15, 2009




Today the District of Columbia joined a handful of states where legislatures or courts have redefined marriage to include persons of the same sex. Since this legislation was first introduced in October, the Archdiocese of Washington opposed the redefinition of marriage based on the core teaching of the Catholic Church that the complementarity of man and woman is intrinsic to the definition of marriage. However, understanding the City Council was committed to legalizing same sex marriages, the archdiocese advocated for a bill that would balance the Council’s interest in redefining marriage with the need to protect religious freedom. Regrettably, the bill did not strike that balance.


The Archdiocese of Washington and Catholic Charities are deeply committed to serving those in need, regardless of race, creed, gender, ethnic origin or sexual orientation. This commitment is integral to our Catholic faith and will remain unchanged into the future.


Religious organizations have long been eligible to provide social services in our nation’s capital and have not been excluded simply because of their religious character. This is because the choice of provider has focused on the ability to deliver services effectively and efficiently. We are committed to serving the needs of the poor and look forward to working in partnership with the District of Columbia consistent with the mission of the Catholic Church.






Contact:
Susan Gibbs
Director of Communications
301-853-4517
gibbss@adw.org

Update: Listen to her voice. Just as I suspected: young, caffeinated, smirking, unconvinced of her own words. 

Patti LaBelle on Gay Marriage

You can see my video of Patti LaBelle at Miami beach Gay Pride on Bilerico-Florida.

For the hearing impaired, those in a hushed workplace, those reading on devices that don't handle video and those who want to quote her, I've included the text after the video.

Gay Rights Protester seeks husband (or something like one)

When the gay marriage protest march reached Times Square, we bumped into Stan Richardson, "Playwright and Protagonist", who was handing out leaflets and feeling desirous of a New York wedding.

He's cute and funny. (His best line is the one at the very end of the vid.)

Hey you single guys looking for a man, what are you waiting for? stanrichardson@gmail.com

I get the yenta points.

Gay Protest in New York City tonight

We froze but we marched.
From Herald Square (think Macy's and Miracle on 34th St, you hinterlanders) to Times Square. In numbers approaching a few hundred strong, the little lights of protest warmed up the night. More formal observations and video to follow tomorrow, but

a) Just as I expected and despite instructions from JoinTheImpact, this was not a silent, prayerful or chanting crowd. Out came the megaphones and all the usual shouts of "When I say XXXX, you say XXXX...XXXX! etc. (I really hate that one. It's too convoluted.) and the hey hey ho ho chant was aimed this time at having Rick Warren to go.

b) Numbers were small (<300?) but impact was high: strong sound system and a stage in Times Square.

c) Proof of the consistently amateur or naive approach to this phenomenon is the fact that the wooden podium had no sign on it with a logo and info that would show up in media coverage.

d)And this is MOST important, we need to show great respect and encouragement to the young people who are producing these events. Someone at last is doing something. The flaws are inconsequential. To not show up, despite the weather would have been unthinkable.


Go here for some pics.

With little wind in their sails

Cardinal Roger Mahony of Los Angeles together with his six auxiliary bishops issued the following statement regarding the newly permitted gay marriages in California.

It has a weak and whiney tone about it. It's not the boldly voiced proclamation of the sort that the Catholic Church had been making until it became clear that public sentiment worldwide has shifted in favor of allowing gay marriage. It seems to say "Come on, guys, you already have some of the benefits you want. Why can't you just be satisfied with that?"

It also makes a rather pompous reminder to the State that it is supposed to be protecting "the family" and that allowing these marriages does the opposite. Jesus Christ.

The part that amuses me is the argument that tradition is the potent indicator that gay marriage is wrong. Mahony/Cronies support this by siting/footnoting their own previous statements as Catholic bishops. Yeah. Convincing.

On the whole, the statement is a hand-wringing nervous act of desperation coated with an insincere statement of warm outreach to the gay community. Roger, you'd have done better to keep your mouth shut. Fire your writers, and the next time you need to issue a statement regarding the gay community, email me. I can be bought, and you'll get your money's worth.
(click to read:)