News Round-Up: July 10, 2019

Anthony Bowens (via Instagram)

Some news items you might have missed:

• Pro wrestler and InstaHunk Anthony Bowens (above) points out that "Summer is heating up..." One look at that pic and you know why ;)

• ABC News: Thanks to a police tip line, authorities say they have apprehended a suspect, 20-year-old Tyresse Singleton, who allegedly set fire to a rainbow flag outside of a Harlem gay bar. Gov. Andrew Cuomo had directed the State Hate Crimes Unit to assist in the investigation

• USA Today: Posters featuring U.S. women’s soccer star Megan Rapinoe were vandalized with homophobic slurs at a New York City subway station Monday evening.

• FOX9: The mayor of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, is facing calls of homophobia because she won't sign-off on a Pride event proclamation. The mayor claims the local LGBTQ organization failed to follow (brand-new) guidelines for proclamations.

• NBC News: Kentucky Democratic Senate candidate Amy McGrath raised more than $2.5 million in the first 24 hours of her campaign against Mitch McConnell. McGrath campaign manager Mark Nickolas said it’s the most ever raised in the first 24 hours of a Senate campaign.

• The Advocate: Michael Johnson, convicted in 2015 for one felony charge of “knowingly” transmitting HIV to one man and four charges of exposing four other men to the virus who didn’t contract it, was released this week 25 years early. His lawyers won an appeal after showing that prosecutors failed to turn over significant evidence. Because the charges he pleaded to fell under health statutes, Johnson will not be required to register as a sex offender.

• Out artist Billy Winn says the songs on his new EP, Dreamland II, are based on the idea that "it's all fun and games until someone catches feelings."

The first single from the EP, "Another Broken Heart," an EDM/dance track, was inspired by circumstances in his own life, adding, "It's a dance track with a strong, relatable message about something we've all been through at least once."

Check out the new single below, and for more info head to BillyWinn.com.

Man Pulls Gun On Four Young Women At McDonalds, Manager Attempts To Throw Victims Out

A white man, who grew impatient as four black girls were paying for their food at a Minnesota McDonalds, harassed the women to the point of pulling a gun on them.

To make things worse, the manager of the McDonalds attempted to throw the women out of the restaurant where the man was waiting for them.

Watch below.

Hey @McDonalds what are you doing??

A man harassed these girls & pulls a gun on them—and instead of calling the cops—you kick the girls out of your store?!😳

Are you *trying* to get them killed?

This is atrocious!

POC & White Allies: Record Everythingpic.twitter.com/d4TTOQMACn

— Qasim Rashid, Esq. (@MuslimIQ) November 20, 2018

My jaw literally dropped upon watching that video.

According to the website MuslimGirl, the four girls (Farida Osman, Jihan Abdullahi, Amal Mohammed, and Zainab Hassan) had been studying a few blocks away but grew hungry.

Heading down to McDonalds, they ordered their food and wanted to try using their Apple Pay. They weren't too familiar with the process and after some time gave up trying to use it.

I'll let MuslimGirl take it from here:

“Jihan heard the man say, ‘You’re probably using EBT’, and she immediately turned to him and said “Just because I’m Black, doesn’t mean I use EBT.”

Electronic Benefit Transfer, or EBT, is an electronic system that allows state welfare departments to issue benefit payments.

In Farida’s vivid recollection, this outrageously racist comment and the ensuing retort was immediately followed by the man “cussing them out,” and advancing aggressively towards the defenseless teens. He continued advancing, forcing Amal to call her friend Amin, who was seated in a booth nearby, for help, “because the man was so close she believed he was going to physically hurt her.”

“Amin and his friends came over and that’s when…the man pulls out the gun,” concluded Farida. The rest of the incident plays out in its entirety on video. The patron is seen aiming the gun at the teens as they scatter, while he swiftly backs out of the restaurant in a cowardly attempt to escape from the consequences of his obvious overreaction. 

The manager of the McDonalds in question

In the aftermath of this horrifying episode, the video depicts a McDonald’s employee screaming at the astonished teenagers, in an expletive-laced frenzy, insisting that they get out of her store. Equally incensed, another gentleman at the restaurant jumped to the aid of the teenagers in distress, vehemently protesting the idea that the victims of this heinous attack should be thrown out into the streets, along with the gun-toting lunatic.

The staff of the McDonalds was reportedly hesitant to call the police, but eventually did after extreme pressure from the frightened young women.

Paul Ostergaard, owner of the franchise in question, responded to MuslimGirl about the incident:

“Nothing is more important than the safety and security of our customers and employees. We take this matter seriously and are working with local law enforcement while we investigate the situation.”

News Round-Up: October 3, 2018

Some news items you might have missed:

• Look at that concentration, look at that beefy bicep. Fitness guru Ramses Principe (above) is getting over Hump Day like a boss!

• After traveling to San Francisco, a gay man contracted bacterial meningococcal meningitis which resulted in the permanent loss of his hearing, temporary inability to walk, and his vision for a period. Still coping with the hearing loss, the man was recently fitted for cochlear implants. The first thing he heard when the device was turned on was his longtime boyfriend proposing to him.

• Folks in Minnesota now have a non-binary option when specifying gender on their driver's license. Along with "M" for male and "F" for female, Minnesotans will also have "X" to choose from representing non-binary.

• After the New York Times' bombshell investigation into Donald Trump's wealth, New York state tax officials are looking into allegations that Trump may have committed tax fraud over the years.

• Democratic challenger Beto O'Rourke leads GOP incumbent Sen. Ted Cruz by three points in a new poll tracking the senatorial race down in Texas.

• Check out the trailer for Reach starring Garrett Clayton (Hairspray Live!) as "Steven Turano," a socially awkward band geek who shares with a pro-suicide group that he's planning on killing himself due to bullying by his father and a school bully.

However, when Clarence, the new kid in school, befriends him, Steven’s plans are sidetracked and he forms stronger relationships with his father, friends, and teachers.

Reach will be in limited theaters and VOD October 19.

Minnesota Judge Kicks Lawsuit By Wedding Videographers Who Wanted Only Straight Clients

Angel and Carl Larsen

A Minnesota couple wants to go into the wedding video business, but don't want anything to do with gay or lesbian weddings due to their deeply held religious beliefs.

In fact, they took the extraordinary pre-emptive step of suing the state over Minnesota's Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, saying the law was "unconstitutional."

Mind you, the couple didn't even have any gay or lesbian customers.

From the Star Tribune:

In a 63-page ruling, Chief U.S. District Judge John Tunheim wrote that a provision of the Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA) prohibiting discrimination by businesses was not unconstitutional. Tunheim rejected the couple’s argument that the law amounted to “a state effort to stamp out expression opposing same-sex marriage.”

Carl and Angel Larsen sued the state’s commissioner of human rights and attorney general in December in an pre-emptive effort to avoid penalties for turning away same-sex customers.

The Larsens, who use their Telescope Media Group to promote their Christian beliefs, want to go into the wedding film business, but serve only heterosexual couples.

The Larsens had wanted to post a notice on their website saying that they serve heterosexual couples only but the judge was not having it and kicked the lawsuit to the curb.

Judge Tunheim said that was "akin to a ‘White Applicants Only’ sign."

“Posting language on a website telling potential customers that a business will discriminate based on sexual orientation is part of the act of sexual orientation discrimination itself,” Tunheim wrote. “As conduct carried out through language, this act is not protected by the First Amendment.”

Judge Tunheim suggested that the plaintiffs post language on their site expressing opposition to same-sex marriage, but not say they wouldn't serve gays.

Expect these folks to appeal the ruling to the 8th Circuit. Bet on it.

Minnesota: Jury Rules Cop Not Guilty In Shooting Of Philando Castile

Posted without comment.

From Huffington Post:

A jury on Friday found the Minnesota police officer who fatally shot a black motorist during a traffic stop last year not guilty of second-degree manslaughter.

St. Anthony Police Department officer Jeronimo Yanez was charged after he fatally shot Philando Castile, 32, last July. The aftermath was streamed on social media by Castile’s girlfriend, and the incident drew national attention and led to weeks of protests in St. Paul and Minneapolis.

Yanez had testified that he was afraid for his life and that Castile did not follow his orders.

In the courtroom on Friday, people could be heard cursing as the verdict was read, and one woman sobbed. Castile’s mother, Valerie Castile, abruptly left the court after the announcement and before court was formally dismissed.

The shooting in the St. Paul suburb of Falcon Heights, like similar incidents across the United States, fueled public debate about the appropriate use of force by law enforcement against minorities.

Greetings From Minnesota

More about the fab Gov. Mark Dayton here.

One year ago today: Rhode Island & Minnesota

Minnesota looks to raise minimum wage to $9.50 by 2016

MSNBC reports that state legislators in Minnesota appear to have agreed to raise the minimum wage in the state - one of the lowest in the country - to $9.50 by 2016:

In a press conference on Monday, party leaders announced a crucial—and much fought over—part of the bill: the state’s minimum wage would be indexed—tied to inflation—starting in 2018, with an annual cap of 2.5%, though the governor’s administration does have the right to stop these automatic hikes.

While lawmakers had agreed on a $9.50 wage as early as last summer, they spent months negotiating over these automatic increases.

Minnesota’s current minimum wage is among the lowest in the nation—$5.25 for smaller companies, $6.15 for larger companies, though many employees are paid the higher, federal minimum wage of $7.25. After the hike, it will be among the highest minimum wages.

Minnesota Vikings Blair Walsh: I stand with management regarding Kluwe's accusations

The statement below comes from 2 year Minnesota Vikings kicker Blair Walsh.

It should be noted that Walsh watched Kluwe get fired for speaking out. Two brain cells could come up with the fact that to say anything other than the statement above could get you fired.

Just saying...

"I have been a member of the Minnesota Vikings for 2 years. I want to start off by saying I have the utmost respect for Rick Spielman, Leslie Frazier and Mike Priefer. All three, are good men. I have had countless conversations and interactions with Coach Priefer, and I personally can attest to his integrity and character. His professionalism in the workplace is exemplary, and I firmly believe that my teammates would whole-heartedly agree.

"The allegations made today are reprehensible and totally not compatible with what Mike Priefer stands for.

[snip]

"In my time here at Minnesota, Rick Spielman and Leslie Frazier have exemplified true leadership. Contrary to Chris’ statements, they have promoted a workplace environment that was conducive for success. At no time did I ever feel suppressed or that I could not be myself.I firmly stand behind Rick Spielman, Leslie Frazier, and Mike Priefer."

Minnesota Vikings respond to Chris Kluwe's allegations of bigotry

Earlier today I reported on an essay by former Vikings punter (and LGBT ally) Chris Kluwe, who wrote a devastating account of his views on why he was released from the team last year.

The essay - "I Was An NFL Player Until I Was Fired By Two Cowards And A Bigot" - chronicled Chris' feelings that his public stance for LGBT rights led to his release from the team.

Via press release:

The Minnesota Vikings were made aware of Chris Kluwe’s allegations for the first time today. We take them very seriously and will thoroughly review this matter.

As an organization, the Vikings consistently strive to create a supportive, respectful and accepting environment for all of our players, coaches and front office personnel. We do not tolerate discrimination at any level. The team has long respected our players’ and associates’ individual rights, and, as Chris specifically stated, Vikings ownership supports and promotes tolerance, including on the subject of marriage equality.

Because he was identified with the Vikings, Chris was asked to be respectful while expressing his opinions. Team ownership and management also repeatedly emphasized to Chris that the Vikings would not impinge on his right to express his views.

Any notion that Chris was released from our football team due to his stance on marriage equality is entirely inaccurate and inconsistent with team policy.

Chris was released strictly based on his football performance. We will have further comment at the appropriate time.

At the end of the day, what else could the team say on the subject?

"Yep - we have bigots in charge over here?"

Minneapolis launches new campaign pitching marriage equality to Illinois residents

Minneapolis Mayor Rybak (center)

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak is in Chicago today to launch "Marry Me In Minneapolis," a campaign that invites Illinoisans to visit his city for their gay marriages.

Mayor Rybak unveiled the campaign at a press conference at Center on Halsted Sept. 5.

"Chicago is my kind of town, but right now, it's a second city in human rights," Rybak told reporters.

Chicago is missing out on tourism and entertainment dollars, Rybak said, money that Minneapolis would welcome.

The new ad campaign invites Chicagoans to tie the knot in Minneapolis.

"Hey Chicago!" one ad reads. "I want to marry you in Minneapolis!"

Rybak's pitch aims to highlight the economic urgency of passing same-sex marriage in Illinois as well as bolster his city's tourism industry.

A recent Williams Institute study found that marriage equality in Illinois could generate $103 million in spending from Illinois couples alone. Out-of-state marriages could add to that number. Windy City Times found that 70 percent of Iowa's same-sex marriages were between out-of-state couples. Those numbers are expected to increase as the effective repeal of the federal Defense of Marriage Act has opened up a laundry list of rights to married same-sex couples, not available to Illinois civil union couples.

That is a reality Rybak wants to capitalize on.

He wants Chicago couples to hop a flight to Minneapolis and spend their wedding dollars there, he said.. He is making the same pitch in Milwaukee, Madison and Denver as part of a tour targeting midwest cities without marriage equality.

(source)

Minnesota: Rep. Keith Ellison celebrates marriage equality with "This Land Is Your Land"

Minnesota Congressman Keith Ellison provides a little musical celebration as marriage equality comes to his state.

Ellison tells Politico:

“I mean a year ago it looked like [there might be] a constitutional amendment in the state of Minnesota barring people from marriage equality and now here we are today, not just celebrating the defeat of the anti-marriage amendment, but the success of marriage equality. I think that’s something to rejoice about.

"It was a massive effort from diverse parts of the community and it succeeded so. It means that America’s a little freer, a little fairer, a little more equal, a little more accepting of all people. I think that’s worth celebrating.”

(h/t Towleroad)

Marriage equality begins at midnight in MInnesota and Rhode Island

Congratulations to the LGBT communities in Minnesota and Rhode Island as marriage equality becomes a reality at midnight tonight.

In Rhode Island, Lee Swislow, GLAD’s executive director made the following statement: “Congratulations to all of the loving, committed Rhode Island couples who can now marry and enjoy the dignity and security of having their marriage recognized at home and by the federal government. We are joyful and proud that each of the six New England states recognizes the freedom to marry for same-sex couples.”

GLAD was an active part of the coalition that worked for many years to secure marriage rights for same-sex couples in Rhode Island through legal work, public education, and providing strategic expertise.

Some people in Rhode Island can't see the writing on the wall, though, as one man tried to get a temporary restraining order in place to stop the upcoming nuptials:

Ronald L’Heureux, a cofounder of the Faith Alliance to Preserve the Sanctity of Marriage as Defined by God, brought a petition and complaint to the court on Tuesday morning and sought a temporary restraining order to stop the law from taking effect. Judge Daniel A. Procaccini denied the request, saying L’Heureux had fallen “far short” of the criteria needed to obtain a temporary restraining order, said court spokesman Craig Berke.

Instead, Procaccini scheduled a preliminary hearing for Aug. 9.

L’Heureux’s complaint, which names Governor Chafee, state Department of Health Director Michael Fine and 75 state lawmakers who voted for same-sex marriage as defendants, argues that legalizing same-sex marriage will violate religious freedoms guaranteed by the state Constitution, forcing people to accept, in public spheres such as schools, a practice that they oppose based on their faith.
“It violates the Constitution and causes irreparable harm, and once it passes they’re going to teach my children and grandchildren conduct that’s reprehensible to my faith,” said L’Heureux, who represented himself in court.

With gay marriages becoming legal in Minnesota on Thursday, courthouses in major cities across the state will be open after midnight to accommodate dozens of same-sex couples eager to tie the knot.

"It's good for our business," says Ron Stein, a jeweler in Minneapolis, where the mayor plans to conduct weddings for approximately 40 couples. "We've had orders already."

NPR Minnesota reports that the city of Minneapolis is hosting an extravaganza at City Hall tonight where Mayor R.T. Rybak will officiate at the marriage of 42 same-sex couples. The celebration, which will stretch well into Thursday morning, includes performances by local musicians, a brass quintet and a reception at the nearby Hotel Minneapolis.

In recent days, the Minneapolis Star Tribune has published articles about the coming "boon" to the state's wedding industry, as well as the phenomenon of same-sex couples facing the same sort of pre-wedding "jitters" long known to straight couples.

First same-sex marriage license issued in Minnesota

From KSTP.com:

More than a dozen couples had applied for licenses in Hennepin, Ramsey and Washington counties by noon Thursday. In Pipestone County in southwestern Minnesota, which has been accepting applications since Monday, Recorder Mary Ann DeGroot said one couple signed up immediately.

A recent analysis by the state Department of Management and Budget estimated that 5,000 Minnesota gay couples would get married in the first year under the new law.

(via Towleroad)

Last night in Minneapolis

This photo of the I-35W bridge appeared last night on the City of Minneapolis Facebook page.

The following announcement was also posted:

Start planning now! At 12:01 a.m. on the first day that all Minnesotans are able to get married, historic Minneapolis City Hall will be open and available for couples wishing to tie the knot. Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak will be on hand and happy to officiate weddings that night.

Marriage equality begins August 1 in Minnesota.

Epic photobomb in Minnesota

 

FTW! Epic photobomb from Minnesota yesterday.

(via George Takei's Facebook)

Minnesota: Gov. Mark Dayton signs marriage equality into law

From the Star Tribune reports:

"By your political courage, you join that pantheon of exceptional leaders who did something extraordinary," Dayton said. "You changed the course of history for our state and our nation."

Dayton signed the marriage measure at a historic outdoor ceremony, a day after the Senate and House passed the proposal....Dayton acknowledged that a difficult step has been taken, but called it a crucial moment for equality.

“Progress has often been difficult, controversial and, initially, divisive,” Dayton said. “However, it has always been the next step ahead to fulfilling this country’s promise to every American.”

The ceremony kicked off a parade that took supporters to a massive downtown St. Paul celebration. The parade route in was lined with rainbow flags for the event.

Video: Openly gay Minnesota state Senator Scott Dibble speaks before marriage equality vote

Minnesota State Senator and chief author of the Minnesota Marriage Equality Bill Scott Dibble speaks in support of his bill prior to the Senate vote.

The bill passed shortly after this speech by a vote of 37-30.

Check out the quick video below of the reaction of the crowd in the Capitol rotunda moments after the bill passed.  This is what equality looks like, kids.



Congratulations Sen. Dibble and Minnesota!

Minnesota: Marriage Equality passes in state Senate by vote of 37-30

The Minnesota state Senate voted moments ago in favor of a marriage equality bill, the final vote need to make Minnesota the 12th U.S. state, and the third in as many weeks, to legalize same-sex marriage.

Gov. Mark Dayton has promised to sign the bill and a ceremony is expected on Tuesday. The law would take effect on Aug. 1.

Prior to the bill’s third and final reading, the Senate rejected two amendments offered by GOP opponents.

The first amendment (A10), by Paul Gazelka (R-Nisswa), would have extended exemptions to individuals with religious objections to same-sex marriage, but also used the more generic term “any marriage.”

Gay marriage supporters said the amendment would have had the effect of legalizing discrimination against gay couples, and by the amendment’s language, couples in “any marriage” — effectively gutting the state’s existing civil rights protections under its human rights act.

That amendment failed by a vote if 26-41.

The second amendment (A51), from Sen. Torrey Westrom (R-Elbow Lake), sought to legislate gender-neutral language such as “spouse” and “parent” for same-sex couples only, and utilize gender-specific terms such as “mother,” “father,” “husband,” and “wife” for opposite-sex couples.

That amendment failed by a vote of 31-36.

Here's the vote board showing the 37-30 results that moves the bill to the Governor's desk.

(source)

Minnesota: Final vote on marriage equality today

The Minnesota Senate will begin debate on the Minnesota marriage equality bill at noon Central Time today.

With 39 Democrats vs. 28 Republicans, the bill is expected to pass and Gov. Mark Dayton is likely to sign it in a ceremony presently scheduled to take place tomorrow.

You can watch today's proceedings live on the website of the Star-Tribune and on the Senate's official page. If you've never listened in to one of these debates, they can be quite boring in terms of public pronouncements made clearly for use in future campaigns, AND can be quite moving in their passion, depending on where you stand on the issue.