The Nature of the Debate after Starbucks declares support.

In the wake of Starbucks’ support for same-sex marriage, the Huffington Post reports that Apple and Microsoft teamed up to follow, but it turns out to be ‘satire’.

“The success of the ‘thank you card to Starbucks for standing up for gay rights’ petition by Sum Of Us has overshadowed that started by NOM, 637,000 to 22,000. And so the story had a ring of possibility about it.”

Anti-gay vote in Russia Passes St Petersburg Parliament.

The law that criminalises any support for LGBT people in Russia has now passed.

“The law bans any positive communication in the public sphere about what it terms “propaganda of sodomy, lesbianism, bisexualism and transgenderism”. The fine for breaking the law is as follows: 5,000 rubles (£105) for individuals, 50,000 rubles (£1065) for officials, and from 50,000 to 500,000 rubles (£10,650) for legal entities.”

Rowan Williams Says It’s Time For Minorities To Step Back.

The Archbishop of Canterbury has come to the indefensible conclusion that identity politics and minority rights are fragmenting society.

“Williams fudged the issue so completely that he sidestepped it, and proved that the old guard does not understand the implications of cultural diversity.”

The aftermath of yesterday’s ‘Villains’ article.

The case of Sophie Miriam Herold has taken on a life of its own and raises important questions about how homophobia on the internet can be dealt with.

“The anonymity afforded by the internet makes this situation really difficult to assess and to monitor. Is this one person? Is it an actual 21-year-old woman, as she claims?”

Malaysian Minister says homosexuality is bad for your health

Datuk Mashitah Ibrahim, Deputy Minister in the Malaysian Prime Minister’s Department, has decided that homosexuality is a “social problem”, and compares it to drug abuse.

“When questioned about the Malaysian government’s steps to curb homosexuality, Mashita responded that homosexuality ‘has its own after-effects, which can lead to prostitution, drug abuse, psychological problems and also mental illness’.”

Tony Blair is back!

The Liberian president prepares to usher in anti-gay laws, and Tony Blair’s charity Africa Governance Initiative looks the other way.

“Just when you thought it was safe to go back into international waters, the devious fin of Tony Blair appears on the horizon, and his unique brand of opportunistic insincerity threatens to pull you under.”

US Preacher Sued For Incitement

The US Preacher Scott Lively Sued For Incitement by the group Sexual Minorities Uganda.

“Lively is the author of, among other fruity titles, a book called ‘The Pink Swastika’ (1996). This argues that a certain amount of Nazis were gay, and that the gay man is a natural fascist who would take away your rights if you give him half a chance, that sort of thing..”

700 miles for Diversity Role Models

The organisation Diversity Role Models tackles homophobic bullying in schools. Andrew Makin is cycling 700 miles to raise money to support this essential charity.

“Not only does Diversity Role Models help the young, it is changing the standing of all LGBT people for the better. By educating schoolchildren, and challenging the remnants of homophobia in popular culture, it breaks down barriers by showing LGBT individuals as real people.”

Born this way video goes viral

Jessica Romani posted a video to YouTube of her father showing her brother Dylan his “born this way” tattoo. Wipeout Homophobia on Facebook posted the link and it went viral.

“This video humanises what is all too often dehumanised by bigotry. It shows a father expressing his love for his son; it shows what the ‘issues’ mean to real people.”

Sign the Coalition for Equal Marriage Petition

There is no reason not to sign this petition if you stand for LGBT equality. It is not just about marriage, after all.

“The marriage debate has generated much hot air, especially from those who oppose it, but the issue is a simple one. It is about equal rights. You either believe in equality, or you do not.”