Bring it on!

The Arkansas legislature has passed a bill that prevents cities and counties from enacting their own anti-discrimination laws that protect sexual minorities. No governor veto is expected. Lawmakers say the bill created uniformity (so much more important than rights). Some things just need to be uniform across the state – along with murder and fraud. Yep, our desire for rights was just compared to murder and fraud. Democrat Representative Clarke Tucker challenges the claim that the bill would be good for business.

Hours after the state Senate passed the bill (and before the House did) the city of Eureka Springs, "the gay capital of the Ozarks," did exactly what the bill banned. Though the state may not sue, a right-wing group likely would. Council member Mickey Schneider said, "Bring it on!"



The little town of Thrumond, West Virginia passed passed an ordinance banning discrimination of sexual minorities. How little? There are only five residents in Thurmond. With a voting population that small it is easy to get a unanimous vote. But with a town that small and no news whether any of them are gay, why bother? The area is a big tourist draw for rafting and fishing and the ordinance will demand equal treatment by any business working through the town. In addition, it sets a great example.



JONAH stands for Jews Offering New Alternatives for Healing, the Jewish counterpart to Exodus providing services "for those struggling with unwanted same-sex sexual attractions." Meaning they attempt to make a gay person become straight. Through a lawsuit a judge in New Jersey has declared that JONAH has violated the state's Consumer Fraud Act for advertising they provided a service they could not deliver. Hopefully, this will set a precedent against conversion therapy clinics across the country.