''This time we have to speculate whether she has a male member or not. And whether it's been cut off or not.... And then we've got Beyonce and Gaga -- gay, lesbian lovers! I mean, it's disgusting Megan.... This is just poison for the minds of our kids. And for our minds for that matter.... Our world if filled with sexual predators.... Something like 85% of [sexual predators] are involved in some sort of porn. So, you may not watch it. Your kids may not watch it. But I'm telling you, the man next door who's a sexual predator probably does watch it, and it has an effect on all of us. This should be outlawed. It should be banned. There is a limit to what we should tolerate.''

Sandy Rios, President of something called the Culture Campaign, speaking to Fox News about pop star Lady Gaga's new music video. The Culture Campaign's website says it "exists to help reenlist believers into the culture war one believer at a time.'' Basically, another bunch of religious social conservatives who want to tell America what they can and cannot watch -- a child of so many similar groups from the 1980s-90s whose leaders have aged into their rightfully irrelevant status. Though her site primarily mentions abortion, there's a link to a blog of the same name which is obsessed with "homosexualist" activities. (Fox News via Young Turks)

''It's a makeover show where me, Nina Poon, and Jamie Clayton travel all over the country transforming women, using what we've learned transforming ourselves.''

Laverne Cox speaking about the new VH1 reality TV show "TRANSform Me." The program debuted Monday night, and the ladies helped makeover Nicole, an Alabama woman who'd lost 55 pounds and suffered from a lingering, oversized wardrobe. Cox first came to the public's attention as a contestant on "I Want to Work for Diddy." She also won a GLAAD media award last year. (VH1) (Laverne Cox)

''I did this because I wanted to exercise my inherent rights as a citizen. I wanted people to widen their minds and look outside their tiny mind boxes, to see that even 10-year-olds can have logical opinions, and to accept that I am intelligent person like most people. I believe activism is important. Activism is change. It is the fuel, lubricant and engine that drives the slowly moving turtle-mobile that is progress ... Thank you again, and to quote a great modern-day thinker, "Live long and propsper."

Will Phillips, 10, who made headlines last November when he told his teacher that he didn't want to say the Pledge of Allegiance, in part, because the nation does not provide "liberty and justice" for his family's gay friends. Then he appeared on CNN to deliver one of the best news interviews of last year. He spoke live on stage at the New York GLAAD Media Awards where he accepted an award for "Outstanding TV Journalism Segment." (GLAAD Media Awards)

''I'm at the Glaad awards with my lesbian lover, Meredith Vieira. She says hi.''

Funny Twitter post from Joy Behar. The veteran comedian, and one of "The View's" 5 talk show hosts, accepted an award in New York from GLAAD for "Excellence in Media." Last year, she launched her own program on CNN, and it became an immediate favorite of LGBT television viewers. She regularly features interviews with gay and gay-friendly personalities, and also covers many of the controversies surrounding the community's issues. (Joy Behar Show) (GLAAD Awards)

''You see, the Massachusetts Supreme Court, when it started this, this move toward same-sex marriage, actually defined marriage -- now get this -- it defined marriage as simply, 'the establishment of intimacy.' Now, how dangerous is that. I mean -- I don't mean to be absurd about it, but I guess I can make the point of absurdity with an absurd point. I guess that would mean, if you really had affection for your horse, I guess you could marry your horse.''

JD Hayworth, a former US Representative of Arizona, who is now running against US Senator John McCain. Both men are Republicans, and though McCain does not support equality for the LGBT community, he at least has a daughter, Meghan McCain, who has become a outspoken Republican in support of gay marriage and gay rights. (Rachel Maddow show)

''I played by 'don't ask, don't tell... I just don't agree with what the Rapid City police department did. ... They violated a lot of internal policies on their end, and I feel like my privacy was violated.''

Sgt. Jene Newsome, a nine-year veteran who was (honorably) discharged from the Air Force. She tells AP and KOTA-TV that police from Rapid City, SD went to her home looking for Cheryl Hudson. a woman who lived in the home with Newsome. Police apparently felt Newsome was being uncooperative. And when they saw that they two women were married, they contacted the military to inform them about her legal marriage, which is still somehow prohibited under the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. Newsome and the ACLU have filed a complaint over the matter. (AP)

''The National Organization for Marriage is sponsoring robo-calling of DC residents asking if they think marriage should be between only one man and one woman. Since marriage equality is now a fact in the city the reasons for this survey might not be apparent.''

Taken from the GLAA Forum of Washington, DC at 4:31pm today, regarding a recorded telephone "survey" from the National Organization for Marriage, a group that opposes marriage for gay men and lesbians. (GLAA Forum)

NOM is a socially conservative political organization headed by Brian Brown and Maggie Gallagher. They have been a fundamental part of efforts to repeal marriage in California and Maine. The group has also helped to block votes for marriage in other areas of the the United States, and according to its website is working against recognition of legal same-sex marriage in Maryland and New Hampshire. The calls were received by District residents throughout the day today and into the evening. The return phone number being used is (208) 991-1227, and a quick internet search of that number turns up complaints about automated telephone calls for other "right-wing" causes like the "Tea Party" movement.

Some residents have questioned the legality of the calls, and suggested contacting the FTC, or using the "Do Not Call Registry" complaint form to report NOM's actions to government regulators.

''I just got called by the National Organization for Marriage

''It consisted of two questions.

''First "Are you a registered voter" Answer -- Yes

''Second -- Do you believe that marriage between only one man and one woman should be legal? My answer -- No

''Now this is obviously a trick question. Take out the word 'only' and the answer is obviously 'yes'. But stick in the word 'only" and for a marriage equality supporter such as myself, the only answer that you can give is "no." But, of course, can you expect a bunch of homophobes to ask an hones question, such as 'Do you believe that marriage should be legal between gay and lesbian couples?''

''...In any case, according to our local neighborhood listserve they are apparently working through our local telephone exchange and probably through all of 202 with this survey. If you live in DC and get this survey be sure to answer 'NO.'..."

Taken from a blog post by Dave in DC for the Daily Kos website. His post is dated today, Saturday, March 13, at 12:42pm. He says he called the "spoofed" number back and it just "rang and rang." (DailyKos)

Metro Weekly has reported recently that the infamous group mentioned on the calls, the National Organization for Marriage, previously used robo-calls in Massachusetts to help usher in Republican Scott Brown this past January. And this week, the magazine reported that NOM has already contributed to the campaign of one religious candidate to try to unseat openly gay DC City Councilman David Catania. The phone calls being received in Washington identify the voice on the message as being from Brian Brown, the Executive Director of the National Organization for Marriage.

''I have a license in the United States Supreme Court. But I have a secret weapon, and her name is Marge, and she's my sister. She argued that case before the 4th Circuit.... You know last Wednesday they started marrying fags in DC.... I picketed when they did the Lawrence vs. Texas case.... What, are you kidding me? [Gay] enablers? Of the first water! They're the ones who crossed the line in Lawrence vs. Texas.... The question is, 'Can you prosecute people engaged in sodomy.' So, you understand, when they stick their noses into something that's not in front of them, those words are called 'dicta, obiter dicta....' I know that that one, that seems almost senile, frankly. I watched her on a NBC news report talking about her robe and the collar on her robe. And it was, frankly, shocking.... Ruth Bader Ginsberg, this woman used to be the head of the ACLU. Let me tell you how worried I am -- not at all! Because they're either going to obey the law of this nation, in which case, they're going to tell this nation of rebels that have got their britches in a bunch over these words on these signs on a public right-of-way obedient to the laws --. They're going to tell them, to drink a frosty mug of 'shut the hell up' and avert your eyes if you don't like those words.''

Shirley Phelps-Roper an attorney and family member from the infamous Westboro Baptist Church. She was speaking on the Midweek Politics Radio show about the Supreme Court's decision to hear a case involving her gay-hating family. They have picketed funerals of both gay people and non-gay people to bring attention to their unconscionable religious beliefs. The pending case primarily revolves around a event staged at soldier's funeral in Maryland, where they lost a multimillion dollar lawsuit, but later won an appeal. Here she demonstrates her family's knowledge of the law and their ability to argue endlessly about their rights to free speech. Phelps-Roper mentions that she has 11 children, two of whom appeared on the Tyra Banks show last year in a stunningly appalling segment. (Midweek Politics Radio)

''We're here today to remind Elton John that he has to die.... If we were Muslims, a fatwa would have been taken out on Elton John, but we're Christians.''

Neal Horsley, an anti-abortionist with extremist religious views who, according to AP, has been arrested for "making terroristic threats" outside of Elton John's Atlanta home. He also posted video of his confrontation with unidentified men who asked him to stop making inflammatory remarks because they were directed at an individual. Horsley and a male companion both speak on the video and hold up a sign that reads, "Elton John Must DIE." Both men claim that they are expressing free speech and that their reason is based in their interpretation of a Biblical verse. (AP)

''In 1990, aboard the U.S.S. Jouett, I was awakened when a senior officer, Lt. Commander Massa, seemed to be groping me. (I was a lieutenant at the time.) I believe he may have been drinking.''

Stuart Borsch, one of a handful of former Navy colleagues of Eric Massa who, according to The Atlantic, are now coming forward with or confirming questionable behavior by the former Democratic House Member. (The Atlantic)

''Tom and Massa shared a stateroom together. Massa climbed up on the top of his bunk, which is hard to do--you never crawl up on somebody else's bunk. He wakes up to Massa undoing his pants trying to snorkel him.''

Peter Clarke, a Navy shipmate of former New York Representative Eric Massa, who quit his elected position in the US House under a cloud of allegations that he sexually harassed male staffers. The little-known Democrat recently appeared on Glenn Beck's show to say his Navy record would exonerate his record, but in actuality, it seems to have led to more allegations. Soon after, on Larry King, he refused to say whether he was gay or not in respect of the gay community. (The Atlantic)

''Oh, my God. That's really messed up because the message they are sending is that if they have to let gay people go to prom that they are not going to have one.... A bunch of kids at school are really going to hate me for this.''

Constance McMillen, an 18-year-old female senior who wanted to bring her sophomore girlfriend to her school's prom. After receiving a petition to bring her same-sex date and wear a tuxedo, the Itawamba County School District of Mississippi made the decision to cancel the entire prom. They also suggested that parents of students hold their own private prom. (USA Today)

''Falls Church is a really gay high school.... I had an interest in make-up and fashion, and instead of trying things out on my friends, I decided to try them out on myself.... I learned a ridiculous amount. I'd had no drag friends before.''

Tatianna (a/k/a Joey Santolini) a contestant on the current season of "RuPaul's Drag Race.'' She hails from nearby Falls Church, Virginia, and tells FCNP her back story and what it was like to compete as one of the show's dozen queens. Joey has survived five episodes so far, and exchanged a series of heated quips with with several of the show's strong-willed divas, most notably with Tyra Sanchez. Her hilarious impersonation of Britney Spears won great praise, but she has also had an uneven review of her stylistic choices. You can catch her on the Logo cable TV channel, or on the network's website. (Falls Church News Press) (RuPaul's Drag Race)

''Discrimination based on factors such as one's sexual orientation or parental status violates the Equal Protection Clause of the United States Constitution. Therefore, discrimination against enumerated classes of persons set forth in the Virginia Human Rights Act or discrimination against any class of persons without a rational basis is prohibited.

''Employment discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated by this administration.

''Consistent with state and federal law, and the Virginia and United States Constitutions, I hereby direct that the hiring, promotion, compensation, treatment, discipline, and termination of state employees shall be based on an individual's job qualifications, merit and performance. No employee of the Executive Branch shall engage in any discriminatory conduct against another employee.

''No employee of the Executive Branch shall engage in any discriminatory conduct against another employee.''

Wording taken from a "directive" issued by the Governor of Virginia, Bob McDonnell. This seemingly positive directive, it is reported, does not carry any legal force. Gay rights supporters have been alarmed by several recent political developments in that Virginia. First, McDonnell signed an executive order banning discrimination for many categories of state workers, but it specifically did left out "sexual orientation." Also, Virginia's Attorney General, Ken Cuccinelli, sent a letter to state universities advising them that it was not legal to add sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression to nondiscrimination policies. McDonnell's directive is somewhat consistent with his pre-election statements, but come only after students held protests. Both politicians have been scrutinized since McDonnell's past writings and Cuccinelli's stated views clearly characterized homosexuality as sinful and wrong. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

''While various federal and state statutes set forth certain classifications in which employment related discrimination is prohibited as a matter of law, our policy and practice will be much broader than this. All state employees should take comfort in knowing that we will not tolerate employment related discrimination in any form or for any reason, including sexual orientation.''

Bill Bolling, Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, following up on Governor Bob McDonnell's directive that discrimination against state workers would not be allowed, including specifically sexual orientation. However, the legal weight of such a directive has yet to be seen. (LTGov.Virginia.gov)

''Well, here's that answer, I'm not going to answer that.... Why don't you ask my wife, ask my friends, ask the 10,000 sailors I served with in the Navy.... Well, but it's an insulting... No, no, not me. It insults every gay American, because somewhere it... It somehow classifies people''

From a Larry King Show interview with Eric Massa, the now-retired US Representative from New York. The 50-year-old Democrat has been slapped with multiple allegations of inappropriately touching his staffers -- male staffers. Massa has a wife and several children. King asked Massa if he was gay, and explained that the reason he asked was because he said he had groped a male staffer. He says here that his opposition to a health care bill (that did not include a public option) led to his ouster. (Larry King)

''A staff member made an intonation to me that maybe I should be chasing after the bridesmaid and his points were clear and his words were far more colorful than that. And I grabbed the staff member sitting next to me and said, well, what I really ought to be doing, is fracking you.''

Recently-retired NY Democrat Eric Massa describing to WKPQ radio an incident that he thinks has led to allegations of sexual misconduct by a male member of his staff. He is saying here that an incident occurred at a New Year's Eve wedding where many of the men had been drinking, when he groped the man in an admittedly inappropriate way. Massa says the staffer never mentioned anything to him. Massa announced his retirement last week, allegedly for health reasons related to a former bout with cancer. (News10) (Huffington Post)

''Now, they're saying I groped a male staffer. Yeah, I did. Not only did I grope him, I tickled him until he couldn't breathe and then four guys jumped on top of me. It was my 50th birthday. It was kill the old guy.... This was at a townhouse. We all lived together. All the bachelors and me, because nobody could afford, in Washington, DC, to pay the outrageous rents. My chief of staff had a conniption, and said, you can't live there, it's not Congressional....

''That's why I resigned, I own this misbehavior.... I never translated from my days in the Navy to being a Congressman.... Let me show you something, I'm going to show you a lot more than tickle fights [opens photo book]. That's a 'crossing the line ceremony' in 1983. If you were to take this out of context today... Can you imagine transporting back to this, today? It looks like an orgy in 'Caligula'....

''No, no, no. And there's a big difference. But when you take things out of context, in Washington, DC -- this is what the whole crux of this conversation is about.... I did nothing sexual. I did things that were wrong. I should not have allowed myself to be that familiar with my staff.''

Eric Massa, of New York, doing a rather poor job of explaining the "context" of his odd behavior which has led to allegations of sexual misconduct from a male staffer. Massa resigned his position this week from the US House of Representatives. He seems to be saying here that his behavior is a carry-over from some type of playful camaraderie that Navy personnel engage in. He also makes claims here with Glenn Beck of Fox News, of "whip-cracking" politics from White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emmanuel. He describes a finger-poking incident from Emmanuel that happened while Massa was taking a shower. It appeared that Beck and others in the "right-wing media" were hoping that Massa would expose corruption by Barack Obama's White House staffers and other leaders in the Democratic party. But when Massa did not deliver, Beck told his fans that he'd wasted their time. During Eric Massa's short time in Congress, he seemed to have agreed with the majority of the Democrats' political platform, including support for gay equality. (Fox News)

''The children, in that it permanently denies them the chance to have a permanent home with their gay caretaker. So they will forever be in a state of foster care. It violates the rights of the parents by treating them differently than their straight counterparts without any rational basis.''

Rob Rosenwald, lawyer for Martin Gill, his partner and two boys that they have fostered since 2004. Florida law established under Anita Bryant-era politics still prohibit the men from legally adopting the children. It is the only state to have such a blatantly anti-gay adoption law. But, in 2008, a Circuit Court judge found that the anti-gay law violated "the children's right to equal protection." The state appealed that decision. A Department of Children and Families spokesperson says his agency is required to uphold the legislature-approved law "until there is a unified appellate court decision on this issue."(NPR)

''While gays and lesbians face a lot of the same active discrimination as racial minorities, they are not automatically at the same socioeconomic disadvantage as racial minorities tend to be. And as long as identifying as gay carries negative consequences, checking the "gay" box will say a lot more about you than just your sexual preference.''

Closing statements from Gabriel Arana of the American Prospect who apparently thinks adding a section for sexual orientation is not a helpful in the process of picking students for the University of Pennsylvania. The 2010 Application's section on "Demographics" is optional and does include questions about marital status and racial background. [Funny note: "White" includes "Middle Eastern."] Some who have read the opinion are arguing that it's great for diversity and creating a welcome atmosphere for LGBT students, others argue that sexual-orientation has no socio-economic component and therefore doesn't qualify. (American Prospect)

''Really? You're gonna shoot the gay guy down? I never have had a problem saying who I am.... I am who I am. I was never in, as they say. Never.''

Actor Sean Hayes speaking with The Advocate about his displeasure with that magazine's past decision to publicly out him as being gay. For several years, Hayes played Jack McFarland on "Will and Grace," an NBC comedy that became a pioneering achievement in the way American television portrayed out gay characters. Hayes also played a gay character in a film 12 years ago called, "Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss." But, to the frustration of many admirers, would never confirmed to the public that he was gay. (The Advocate)

''I brought this on myself. And if I've had restless nights, it's all because of my doing.... Well, I've always believed that I could keep my personal life personal, and my public life public. But through my own actions, I have made my personal life public.... Well, I am gay. And, uh, so, I -- those are the words that have been so difficult for me for so long, but I am gay. But that it is, something that is personal, and I don't believe that I felt with my heart that it, you know, being gay, did not affect, wouldn't affect how I do my job.... My votes reflect the wishes of the people in my district.... As each of these measures came before me in the legislature, I cast 'No' votes, usually 'No' votes, because the measures were almost always about acknowledging rights or assigning identification to homosexual persons.... I pray to God that I can find peace, and I want to go back to work in the Senate and work hard for the people who sent me to the legislature.''

Senator Roy Ashburn speaking with conservative talks show host Inga Barks of KERN about being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, and the reports that he was at a gay bar just before being arrested. Ashburn has cast a number of "no" votes on the recognition of gay rights, but he claims in this interview that he was just doing the will of the people. He seems to be saying that he will continue to vote against gay rights issues if that's what he thinks the people in his district want, and he seems to be indicating that the "vast majority" of the people of Sacramento, CA want him to vote against gay rights. It's reported by multiple sources that Ashburn is a divorced father of four. He says he had planned to run for Congress at some point, but that he'd decided in some part not to because he was in the closet. (KERN)

''I don't know why Roy strayed.... I think it's sad more than hypocritical.... We hope he comes to terms with whatever is making him make a choice to be a gay man.''

Benjamin Lopez, one of the California Senator's ridiculously anti-gay pals at the Traditional Values Coalition. It's reported by the Sacramento Bee that, in 2005, the then-closeted Roy Ashburn appeared with Lopez at a rally against gay marriage. As most know, gay marriage was legalized in California in June of 2008, but anti-gay social conservatives like Roy Asburn's pals, helped to push through a voter initiative, Proposition 8, that quickly repealed those rights for lesbian and gay couples. Lopez tells the newspaper that Lou Sheldon, one of the most anti-gay preachers in the country, has offered "counseling" to Ashburn. (Sacramento Bee)

''Parents living in open discord with Catholic teaching in areas of faith and morals unfortunately choose by their actions to disqualify their children from enrollment. To allow children in these circumstances to continue in our school would be a cause of confusion for the student in that what they are being taught in school conflicts with what they experience in the home. We communicated the policy to the couple at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School as soon as we realized the situation.''

Taken from the Archdiocese of Denver, a Catholic organization that recently expelled a preschool student because she has two mommies. KUSA in Denver reports that their station received a statement from the Archdiocese that says, "Homosexual couples living together as a couple are in disaccord with Catholic teaching." The Catholic Church has come under harsh criticism for the increasing number of attacks its leadership is taking against the legal recognition of gay families. Here in DC, the Archdiocese has been called out for repeatedly using its local branch of Catholic Charities as an example of "religious freedom," which basically has become a sour exhibition of anti-gay tactics. First ending its foster care services so that they wouldn't have to cater to same-sex couples, then announcing an end to health benefits for spouses of employees who are newly married. The latter occurred the day before same-sex couples began registering legally last week. (KUSA) (Archdiocesee of Denver)

''If a child of gay parents comes to our school, and we teach that gay marriage is against the will of God, then the child will think that we are saying their parents are bad. We don't want to put any child in that tough position - nor do we want to put the parents, or the teachers, at odds with the teachings of the Catholic Church.... If parents see the cultural interpretation of what tolerance has become as more important than the teachings of Jesus, then we become unfaithful to the Lord and we lose the meaning of the beatitude, 'Blessed are you when they insult you for My sake, for the Kingdom of Heaven is yours.'''

Bill Breslin, a Catholic preacher from the Sacred Heart of Jesus School, writing on his personal blog about the removal of a child from his Catholic school because she has lesbian parents. Here he defends his organization's misguided and discriminatory belief system as "freedom and obligation." Breslin's use of one of the Christian Messiah's most sacred blessings appears to be at complete odds with the meaning of the actual quote. So, perhaps he is correct that his school is incapable of teaching anything worthwhile to gay people and their families. (Father Bill)

''Think of it as like Mayberry.... That's when I grew up -- the '60s. That's what life was like. I want Florida to be known for making those kinds of movies: Disney movies for kids and all that stuff. Like it used to be, you know.''

Orlando, Florida Republican Stephen Precourt who reportedly has proposed a $75 million tax credit for film crews coming to that state, but also included a stipulation that prohibits the credit from applying to story lines that might contain an "exhibit or implied act" of "nontraditional family values." AP notes that Precourt says he is not targeting gays, then contradicts himself by saying public dollars should not go to gay productions. (Palm Beach Post)

''Michael's friends and family say he was not gay. If that is true, then I owe a huge apology to the Osmond family and to Marie Osmond for the words I wrote here. I read several published sources before I said anything, but--I did not know him, and I don't know his family either. I just reacted and said what I said because I have known so many gay mormon kids who committed suicide, as well as non mormon gay kids too. I am terribly ashamed of myself this time for shooting off my big mouth, and offending or hurting people who already were hurting. I don't expect anyone to forgive me, but I am so sorry for being wrong and insensitive.''

Roseanne (Barr) continuing, or perhaps ending, her blog posts. Recently, she posted a series of missives about the Mormon Church in regards to Marie Osmond's son, Michael Blosil (a/k/a Michael Bryan) who took his own life a week ago. Roseanne says she knows of many Mormons who have killed themselves because they were gay, and she links to a number of sources. However, the only well-known source to produce a statement about Blasil's sexual orientation was the National Enquirer, which quoted an unnamed "family insider." (Roseanne World)

Roseanne is best known for her 1980s sitcom, "Roseanne," which initially rose to popularity as a rare reflection on the life of lower-class suburban families. After its initial programming, the actress took more control of her production and challenged her mass audience in many ways, just one of which was the addition several gay characters -- a gay boss (Martin Mull), a lesbian best friend (Sandra Bernhard), and in the show's final "fantasy season", she had her aged mother (Estelle Parsons) come out as a lesbian. In real life she has stated that she has a gay brother and sister, and in her last HBO comedy special, she made a number of gay supportive remarks. She has been a controversial figure all the while for other reasons, including plastic surgery, a butchered version of the National Anthem, a marriage and divorce from actor Tom Arnold, several name changes, strongly worded political views, and declarations about her challenges with mental illness.

''I am sorry to have hurt Marie Osmond, who is the most open minded person in her whole family.... I will leave this up for a while, and then I am just done. I appreciate the letters from gay people who thank me for speaking out on their behalf, but y'all are just going to have to take up the slack I will be leaving behind me. I am old now and tired, and not really feeling up to being the only person who says things that no one else will say. It definitely is not a good way to live my life anymore. I don't want to end up a martyr for truth.''

Roseanne Barr again apologizing to Marie Osmond for the second time in as many days. Her first regretful message at top appeared late on Saturday night, but was taken offline after a few hours. This second message appears similar in tone, most notably for the portions where Roseanne seems to say she will stop lobbing social commentary. She says she never intended for her words to be broadcast by "sleazy gossip shows, or on other blogs," which may seem a bit odd since she has run into controversy before for her sometimes shocking online opinions. Other posts on her blog include a mixture of harsh and hilarious criticisms about religion, her fellow celebrities, and conservative politics. (Roseanne World)

''All I would like to say, is that Michael Bryan was NOT homosexual. I can tell you that 100% for sure. It bothers me that people make assumptions when they know nothing of the situation or the person.''

Quote attributed to Ruthann Clawson by Ed Walsh of Examiner.com. He says Clawson is responding to assertions that her friend, Marie Osmond's son Michael Blosil (a/k/a Michael Bryan), was gay or his family's Mormon views about homosexuality had any effect on his decision to take his own life. In a video posted by Entertainment Tonight, Blosil's roommate refutes early media claims that the note left behind had any statement about feeling alone or like he had no friends. Another video shows a tearful Clawson recalling how nice a person he was, and that Marie Osmond did a "great job" raising him. She also disputes notions that he appeared unhappy or had no friends. (Examiner)

''Providing health care to a gay or lesbian partner -- a basic human right, according to Church teaching -- is an end in itself and no more legitimizes that marriage than giving communion to a divorced person legitimizes divorce, or giving food or shelter to an alcoholic legitimizes alcoholism.... More importantly, the greatest asset of the agency -- its staff -- feel a profound sense of humiliation and shame. Many are actively looking to leave. Catholic Charities will be forever handicapped in attracting new staff with such a draconian benefit plan.''

Tim Sawina, former chief operating officer of Cahtolic Charities taking the Archdiocese of Washington to task for canceling spousal benefits for all employees who become married after March 2. The Washington Post points out that Archbishop Donald Wuerl's decision to institute this sudden policy is part of the Catholic Church's battle against same-sex marriage. On March 3, Washington, DC began accepting applications from gay and lesbian couples. The applications have gender-neutral references to "spouse" rather than husband and wife. The first legal ceremonies may begin after three full business days which will be Tuesday, March 9. (Washington Post)

''So the bottom line is that what the secular world means by the word 'marriage' is not even close to what the Church means. Is it time for us to accept this and start using a different word? Perhaps it is and I would like to propose a new (really an old) term and hear what you think. I propose that we should exclusively refer to marriage in the Church as 'Holy Matrimony.' According to this proposal the word marriage would be set aside and replaced by Holy Matrimony.''

Msgr. Charles Pope making a rare rational proposal for the Catholic Church on the subject of gay and lesbian marriage. Over the past several months, he has ranted repeatedly via his Archdiocese of Washington blog against same-sex marriage legalization, and also against the laws and regulations of DC applying equally to their public service organization, Catholic Charities. Here he finally seems to realize that "marriage" as defined in their religious "Catechism" is indeed a separate entity from "marriage" as recognized by civil law. Maybe he should have actually read the bill when it was proposed. "The Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Equality Amendment Act of 2009" never required religious organizations to perform weddings for couples whom they did not approve. At the City Council's public hearings last year, that key point about religious freedom was purposefully smothered with anti-gay proselytizing and predictions of gloom and doom. (ADW Blog)

We write today to express our concerns regarding outdated, medically and scientifically unsound deferral criteria for prospective blood donors. With hospitals and emergency rooms across the country in constant and urgent need of blood products, we believe certain blood donor deferral policies should be reviewed and appropriately modified and modernized while ensuring the blood supply meets the highest possible standards that we all expect in America.... We live in a very different country than we did in 1983. Today, the high-risk behaviors associated with HIV contraction are more fully understood and dramatic technological improvements have been made in HIV detection.... Reflecting the dangers associated with the window period, prospective donors who have engaged in heterosexual sexual activity with a person known to have HIV are deferred for one year. At the same time, male donors who engaged in protected homosexual sexual activity with a monogamous partner 26 years ago are deferred for life.... The safety, availability, and integrity of our nation's blood supply are vital. For these reasons, we agree with the American Red Cross, America's Blood Centers, AABB, and others that the time has come for the FDA to modify the lifetime deferral for MSM to be consistent with sensible health and safety policy and with FDA deferral guidelines for high-risk heterosexual behavior.

Quotes taken from a public letter by 18 US Senators to Margaret Hamburg of the US Food and Drug Administration. They are requesting a review of the ban on blood donations by men who have ever sex with men. The nationwide policy was put into effect in the early days of the AIDS epidemic and has remained in place despite many criticisms. This letter, however, may be the first serious, coordinated effort by this many Members of Congress. The signers of the letter include John Kerry, Kirstin Gillibrand, Dick Durbin, Daniel Akaka, Sheldon Whitehouse, Sherrod Brown, Frank Lautenberg, Bob Casey, Bernie Sanders, Russ Feingold, Mark Udall, Al Franken, Maria Cantwell, Carl Levin, Tom Harkin, Mark Begich, Rolland Burris, and Michael Bennet. (via Minnesota Independent)