Free Republic

The Associated Press reports that some churches are taking steps to change their bylaws after the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the federal Defense of Marriage Act out of a desire to protect themselves from potential claims by same-sex couples. The article reported that some critics argued that such changes were unnecessary and amount to “a solution looking for a problem.” But as an attorney who defends the constitutional freedoms of churches on a daily basis, all the assurances of those who have been actively seeking to redefine marriage that they will not target churches ring hollow in light of...

Jesus didn't talk about homosexuality. Does that mean it's okay? If you’ve ever said that homosexuality is a sin, there’s a good chance that someone tried to correct you with, “Jesus never said anything about homosexuality.” It doesn’t matter what Bible verse you believe bolsters your claim, they believe that Jesus’ silence on the matter trumps all other considerations. But there are a number of reasons why this objection doesn’t work. First, it’s not certain that Jesus never said anything about homosexuality. The Gospel writers didn’t record everything that Jesus said – only what they thought was important to their...

Pope Francis has said that he does not judge homosexuals, including homosexual priests. “If they accept the Lord and have good will, who am I to judge them?” the Pope said. The Pope added that a homosexual orientation “is not the problem.” He called for charitable treatment of homosexuals, saying that they should not be marginalized. The Pope’s remarks-- made during a long and candid exchange with reporters who accompanied him on his return flight to Rome after a visit to Brazil for World Youth Day—were widely interpreted by reporters as an acceptance of homosexuals in the Catholic priesthood. But...

CINCINNATI — No one heckled Senator Rob Portman during his first appearance before thousands of Ohioans since becoming the most prominent elected Republican in the country to endorse same-sex marriage. “Wouldn’t you say,” he said, turning to his wife, Jane, after marching in an opening day parade for the Cincinnati Reds on Monday, “that most of the comments were thank yous and thumbs up and ‘You did the right thing’?” True, but for some of the Ohioans who acknowledged Mr. Portman, doubts flickered below the surface. “Senator!” said one spectator, Pete Kidnocker, reaching out to shake Mr. Portman’s hand. But...

One day after having the best sales day in its history, Chick-fil-A will have to prepare itself for a counter-protest to yesterday's "appreciation day" by those outraged over threats made by mayors and city council members in Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, and New York (Mayor Michael Bloomberg did not join his colleagues in the other cities). Supporters of same-sex marriage will stage "kiss-ins" at Chick-fil-A locations tomorrow, if a Facebook-organized protest succeeds: Yesterday’s banner turnout at Chick-fil-A restaurants for free speech rights — with thousands of people nationwide and hundreds in the Bay State’s two locations lining up to buy...

Debates about illegal immigration and same-sex marriage have crossed paths.The question: Will immigration officials recognize same-sex partnerships as marriage? The answer to this question will determine whether same-sex couples can receive green cards for their non-citizen, same-sex partners.The debate hinges on the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and President Barack Obama’s lack of support for the federal law. Thousands of same-sex couples have applied for green cards but remain in legal limbo because courts cannot decide what status to grant them.Case in point: Henry Velandia, a 27-year old professional salsa dancer from Caracas, Venezuela, came to the United States on...

SIERRA VISTA — As part of the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Boy Scouting in America, local Scouts showed off a variety of hands-on projects and enjoyed some outdoor games during expo in Veterans’ Memorial Park on Saturday.

On June 3, just a few weeks after the California Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage, San Francisco Catholic Charities-CYO held its 2008 Red House Fundraiser. [[SachetMiller062208.jpg]]According to the Catholic Charities-CYO web site, the annual event has been held since 2004. This year’s fundraiser, reports the site, was held “in the heart of the Castro.” The co-chairs of the event and the honorary committee members were a Who’s Who of same-sex “marriage” supporters. They included: Nanette Lee Miller, treasurer of CCCYO, who “married” another woman in 2004, yet still serves on CCCYO’s board. San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, who said of...