Religious Left

Even though the religionist failed at taking away the everything-but-marriage rights in Washington state, they are still fighting a battle. They are challenging state election rules that require the release of names and addresses of people who sign petitions. A district court has already ruled against them. Of course the religionist appealed. In mid January The State Supreme Court will decide if they will hear the case or not. In the mean time, State Representative Reuven Carlyle is introducing new legislation to clarify that petitions are public record. Click here to read more from Rep. Carlyle's blog. www.GayTalkRadio.org a 24/7 LGBTQIA Independent Internet Radio Station. Visit, Listen, Support and become involved.

www.GayTalkRadio.org a 24/7 LGBTQIA Independent Internet Radio Station. Visit, Listen, Support and become involved.

Regarding Referendum 71 in Washington State: www.GayTalkRadio.org a 24/7 LGBTQIA Independent Internet Radio Station. Visit, Listen, Support and become involved.

Today on Seattle’s KING 5 TV show, Up Front, Governor Christine Gregoire was asked about her personal beliefs on gay marriage. Her first and foremost statement was her belief in equality. She proudly stated her advocacy of civil unions. Reminding us civil unions were legalized on her watch. The interviewers mentioned civil unions were not marriage. Governor Gregoire responded, reluctantly, “I believe that is a religious issue”. If we didn’t know before, we now know Governor Gregoire feels civil marriage is a religious issue.

by Rev. Bruce Smith The Daily News Longview, WA We might proclaim “everyone is welcome” or “come as you are,” but we often hope that those who are different will conform to the majority. Sometimes we resort to creating fear about those who are different. As a youth and young adult growing up in Southwest Washington I was taught through jokes and rumors to be afraid of gay people. I thank God that I did not submit to that fear. Today, May 18, is the fifth anniversary of Longview United Methodist Church opening its doors to all people. We have people of many nations, languages, races, cultures and sexual orientations. As we grow to understand the diversity around us, I believe we will grow in our understanding of God’s universal love. I hope that you will consider the opportunity to embrace the full diversity in our community not only in regards to race but also in regards to those neighbors of ours who are gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender. Rev. Bruce Smith is pastor of the Longvie...

Jennifer Chrisler knows the score on gay families. The mother of two runs Family Pride, an organization that provides support and secures rights for gay families. When Chrisler took her twin sons to preschool, she picked a liberal, private school in downtown Washington. The school had a reputation for being friendly to gay parents and Chrisler and her partner, Cheryl Jacques, met with and came out to the principal and their sons’ teachers before school started. “Then we got a letter, actually from their preschool teachers: Please remind your mom and dad …” Chrisler says. “I’m always amazed.” http://www.familypride.org/blog/2007/09/lgbtq-parents-schools.html .