OHLALA Mag

TAKING XMASS AWAY FROM GAY FAMILIES

Sponsors of the California ballot measure that banned same-sex marriage are seeking to nullify thousands of marriages between gay and lesbian couples performed after the state Supreme Court ruled them constitutional. The sponsors Friday filed responses to three anti-Proposition 8 lawsuits with the state Supreme Court. The briefs also defend Proposition 8 against opponents' legal challenges, including an argument that the amendment needed a constitutional convention to be added to the state's constitution. California Attorney General Edmund "Jerry" Brown called on the court to reject the initiative. Source: CNN.com

We hope that at this time of the year when families are getting together for holidays, people around this country will take time and reflect on the fact that for the first time in the history of United States of America some people are being taken away the rights they have under constitution.

COALITION ASK UNITED NATIONS TO DECRIMINALIZE HOMOSEXUALITY

An unprecedented declaration seeking to decriminalize homosexuality won the support of 66 countries in the United Nations earlier today. But opponents criticized it as an attempt to legitimize pedophilia and other “deplorable acts.”

The United States refused to support the nonbinding measure, as did Russia, China, the Roman Catholic Church and members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference.

The declaration, sponsored by France* (Even if Homosexuality is not a crime in France it is still a country where gay citizens do not have the same rights ...) with broad support in Europe and Latin America, condemned human rights violations based on homophobia, saying such measures run counter to the universal declaration of human rights.

“How can we tolerate the fact that people are stoned, hanged, decapitated and tortured only because of their sexual orientation?” said Rama Yade, the French state secretary for human rights, noting that homosexuality is banned in nearly 80 countries and subject to the death penalty in at least six.

+ NY Times
+ AFP

OHLALA MATTHEW MITCHAM TO LEAD SYDNEY MARDI GRAS 2009 PARADE

Australian photographer John McRae has released new photos of Openly gay Olympic gold medallist and Australian Sports Performer of the Year Matthew Mitcham. Two more photos after the jump [John McCrae Photography]

It was officially announced that Matthew will be leading next year's Mardi Gras Parade. Mitcham's participation will be watched by millions of Australians following news that the parade will be televised live exclusively through pay-TV station, FOXTEL. “Mardi Gras has an illustrious history and I’m really proud to now be part of that," he said [SX]

+ Matthew Mitcham The Humble Hero
+ Matthew Mitcham Australian Olympic Diver Comes Out
+ Matthew Mitcham Interview
+ Matthew Mitcham A Perfect 10
+ Matthew Mitcham Gets His First National Sponsor!?
+ Matthew Mitcham Making a Splash in XH

GAY ACTIVISTS PROTEST AT THE VATICAN

Today, activists gather outside St. Peter's Square at the Vatican during a candle-lit demonstration for gay rights.

The Vatican has come out against a United Nations resolution that calls on all governments to decriminalize homosexuality. France will propose the resolution this month on behalf of the 27-member European Union.

The Vatican fears a chain reaction in legally instituting marriage equality, especially in Italy, where there is no law banning same-sex marriage. "The French resolution... has nothing to do with gay marriage. It is about stopping jail and the death penalty for homosexuals," Franco Grillini, president of Italy's leading gay rights activist organization Arcigay, told Reuters.



Homosexuality is still punishable in at least 85 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Sudan, and Ghana. Some countries kill those who are found guilty of such an offense.

OHLALA MARGARET CHO, JACK BLACK, NEIL PATRICK HARRIS IN PROP 8 THE MUSICAL

Conceived and Written (six weeks later than he shoulda) by-Marc Shaiman Directed and Staged by: Adam Shankman Produced by Adam Shankman, Marc Shaiman and Mike Farah Edited by Bradly Schulz and Drew Antzis.



Prop 8 Musical is featuring Margaret Cho, Jack Black (as Jesus) Neil Patrick Harris (as the piano palyer) and many more. See the full list at Funny or Die.



Watch the video below ...

THERE IS A NEW GAY COUPLE IN DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES

It was about time for Andrew Van de Kamp to get a decent boyfriend! since his 'coming out' a few year ago [I am not gay ... I am just experimenting] we haven't seen many boyfriends around, mostly because he was kicked out of the house by Bree. But last night's episode of desperate housewives had a gay twist at the end with a promising episode for next week!

You may have seen Anrew's new boyfreind in many shows like Cold Case, Eli Stone, Samantha Who, Criminal Minds ...

+ More Desperate Housewives on OhLaLa
+ Watch Desperate Housewives Online at ABC



To discover who will become Mr Van de Kamp soon jump to the second part of the post for more photos along with two videos. The scene from last night and the promising gay preview for next week ... I can't wait!

CALIFORNIA SUPREME COURT AGREES TO HEAR CHALLENGE TO PROP 8

The California Supreme Court agreed today to review legal challenges to Prop. 8, the voter initiative that restored a ban on same-sex marriage, but refused to permit gay weddings to resume pending a ruling.

"This goes far beyond same-sex marriage," Herrera said. "It's about equal protection of the law for all Californians." [SF Gate]

"The profound importance of the issues raised by Proposition 8 warrants that this matter be reviewed and promptly resolved by the California Supreme Court," [AFP]

PROP 8 PROTESTS ACROSS THE NATION!

Not only we believe that what's going on right now is important for our rights and everyone's rights, it is also extremely important for all the gay teens out there afraid to come out, afraid that they may be alone ...

The first protest rally took place after election day in West Hollywood California [Prop 8 Protest in West Hollywood]



Since this morning gay rights supporters marched all over the US to protest the vote that banned gay marriage in California and to urge supporters not to quit the fight for the right to wed. The marches marches have been peaceful but we are angry and the protests is growing.

"We are the American family, we live next door to you, we teach your children, we take care of your elderly," said Heather Baker a special education teacher from Boston who addressed the crowd at Boston's City Hall Plaza. "We need equal rights across the country."

Below photos from Palm Springs by Michael Davis.



"The fact that Proposition 8 is even on the ballot is ridiculous. I don't care what your spiritual religious beliefs are. It should not interfere with our government..." Ashton Kutcher. Watch the video in the second part of the post or click on the image below.



+ Prop 8 Passes
+ Prop 8 The Fight Is Not Over
+ Ellen De Generes on Prop 8
+ Use Your Voice Vote No on Prop 8
+ George Clooney on Prop 8
+ James Franco & Drew Barrymore Say No On Prop 8
+ Free To Be You & Me

GEORGE CLOONEY ON PROP 8

"At some point in our lifetime, gay marriage won't be an issue, and everyone who stood against this civil right will look as outdated as George Wallace standing on the school steps keeping James Hood from entering the University of Alabama because he was black."
George Clooney, Los Angeles Nov. 12 2008.

JAMES FRANCO & DREW BARRYMORE SAY NO H8

It is nice to see that some famous Hollywood stars are not afraid to fight against Prop 8 with us.

James Franco Spotted 'accidentally' by one of our readers, Albert (he didn't realize who it was until he went through his pix the next day) at the No On H8 Rally at the intersection of Sunset and Vermont in Silverlake, California. Thanx for the pic :-) I love how Alber wrote "I hate it when people walk in front of my shot. Unless they're... James Franco!" You bet !!!! [What's Up Albert]

Talking about James Franco check out the trailer of Camille Movie in the second part of the post. The super cool Drew Barrymore (WE LOOOVE YOUUUU DREW!!!) met the march on San Vincente and Santa Monica for some inspirational words. Watch the video below.



Interatial Mariage next !? Blog For Peace & Freedom. Re-open Proposition 8 for California Online Petition!



A national day of marriage equality, pro-GLBTQI rights protests on November 15, on the steps of every city hall at 10.30 am on the West Coast, 1:30 Eastern time [Join The Impact]