Ghana’s ‘Hate-filled’ Anti-LGBT+ Bill Bears Signature of America’s Religious Right, Activists Warn

LGBT+ rights are heavily suppressed in Ghana. (Creative Commons)
PINK NEWS: A “hate-filled” bill that criminalises LGBT+ “propaganda” has been officially presented in Ghana’s parliament – and activists say it carries the fingerprints of America’s religious right.

The “Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021” would introduce a raft of policies punishing everything from sex toys and anal intercourse to trans healthcare and LGBT+ allyship.

Referred to a parliamentary committee by house speaker Alban Bagbin on Monday (2 August), the bill would see LGBT+ allies, as well as those who have provided or received gender-affirming healthcare, facing three to five years in prison. Even two people of the same gender kissing on the cheek or holding hands would be criminalised.

In statements to PinkNews, activists described the bill as an affront to human rights, as well as a troubling example of what a government-sanctioned, religious right wing can achieve in only a few months.

“We were shocked by its content and how they managed to put together so much hate in a single document,” Rightify Ghana said.

“When you read the content of the bill, you get the idea that the bill itself was not produced in Ghana. It has the signature of US right-wing groups.” » | Josh Milton | Tuesday, August 3, 2021

Cuomo's Goodbye: Taking Credit for Marriage, Tainting LGBTQ+ Leaders

Via Shutterstock
ADVOCATE: The soon-to-be ex-governor takes many people, along with his dignity, down with him.

I’ve lived in New York City for 28 years, and during that time we have had five governors, starting with Gov. Mario Cuomo. Once, when I was standing on the corner of 57th Street and Seventh Avenue, the police were holding people off the street, as they normally and frequently do, when a motorcade went by.

As I stood there waiting, I glanced to my right, and lo and behold, it was Mario Cuomo, and at that moment, the motorcade drove by carrying his successor, Gov. George Pataki. “That used to be you,” I said to former Gov. Cuomo. He laughed and said, “Yes, that used to be me.”

We won’t be seeing cops halt pedestrian traffic for his son’s motorcade to go by. Gov. Andrew Cuomo resigned, finally, after what feels like a tidal wave of accusations, investigations, and revelations. Why would someone hang on with so much overwhelming evidence against him, so many fingers pointing at him, and so many people digging into him?

Everyone but the pope has called for Cuomo to step down. When the state’s attorney general released the report about the investigation into sexual harassment by the soon-to-be former governor, the evidence was vast. And when that report became public, Cuomo released a tone-deaf video denying that he ever did anything wrong, and then a laughable addition to that video showing him kissing every man and woman in public life — except the pope.

That video was cringeworthy, and his pathetic defense of himself deplorable. How did anyone in their right mind counsel him that those videos were the right things to do? » | John Casey | Wednesday, August 11, 2021

Locked Down and Fed Up, Australians Find Their Own Ways to Speed Vaccinations

THE NEW YORK TIMES: A stubborn Delta outbreak has kicked a complacent country into gear, with community members working to fill gaps in the government’s sputtering vaccine rollout.

Waiting for a vaccination outside a pharmacy in Cabramatta, a southwestern suburb of Sydney. Credit...Matthew Abbott for The New York Times
HOWARD SPRINGS, Australia — After an order of the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine from the government never materialized, Quinn On realized on Monday that a busy pharmacy he manages in Western Sydney would soon run out of doses. He raced to pick up shots from one of his other stores, while his wife pleaded with local officials for extra supplies.

Their mom-and-pop business has become a vaccination hub where it matters most — in the part of the city where Covid-19 case numbers refuse to decline despite a seven-week lockdown. They had already hired extra pharmacists. They set up a tent on the sidewalk to safely register arrivals. And on Monday, with all their scrambling, they secured a few hundred shots to inoculate a long line of people by day’s end.

“It’s costing us money to do this, but I’m doing this for the community,” said Mr. On, 51, who came to Australia from Vietnam as a refugee when he was 8. “I’m just hoping it will work.”

All over Australia, hope is struggling to gain momentum as an outbreak of the hyper-contagious Delta variant has thrown almost half the population into lockdown. Nearly 18 months into the pandemic, as other Western nations have vaccinated their way to relative safety or just decided to live with the virus, Australia remains locked in an all-out war. The odds of victory, with a return to zero Covid, have grown ever steeper. » | Damien Cave | Thursday, August 12, 2021

Taliban Advances in Afghanistan Could Bring Political Peril for Biden

THE NEW YORK TIMES: The president had hoped to win credit for ending one of America’s “forever wars.” But new risks are coming into view.

Displaced Afghans at a makeshift camp on Tuesday in Kabul, the capital. The threat of a Taliban conquest and new risks to U.S. personnel and allies in the country could cause Americans to reconsider their views. Credit...Paula Bronstein/Getty Images
When President Biden announced his plan to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan, the politics seemed relatively simple: Many polls showed that Americans supported ending the country’s nearly 20-year involvement in a war whose goals had become obscure.

But four months later, with the Taliban storming across the country much faster and more ruthlessly than expected, new political risks are coming into view for Mr. Biden, who had hoped to win credit for ending what he has called one of America’s “forever wars.”

Now U.S. officials are racing to evacuate Afghans who assisted the American military and may be targets of Taliban reprisals, and are contemplating the prospect of hastily evacuating the 4,000 Americans at the U.S. Embassy in the capital city of Kabul.

The threat of a Taliban conquest and new risks to U.S. personnel and allies in the country could cause Americans who had been paying little attention to Afghanistan for the past several years to reconsider their views, particularly if Republicans amplify a message of American failure and capitulation. » | Michael Crowley | Published: Wednesday, August 11, 2021; Updated: Thursday, August 12, 2021

Turkey Battles Fresh Disaster as Floods Hit Country’s North

THE GUARDIAN: The floods caused by unusually heavy rains come after devastating wildfires ravaged the south of the country


Turkey floods: Heavy rains sweep away cars and leave villages without power
Heavy rains have triggered severe floods and mudslides in northern Turkey, killing at least one person and leaving others missing or injured, officials said.

Helicopters scrambled to rescue people stranded on rooftops while cars were swept away in raging torrents on Wednesday. The floods hit the Black Sea coastal provinces of Bartin, Kastamonu, Sinop and Samsun.

“From a meteorological point of view, we are perhaps facing a disaster that we have not seen in 50 or 100 years,” agriculture and forestry minister Bekir Pakdemirli said of the flooding and heavy rains.

Turkey has been grappling with drought and a rapid succession of natural disasters that world scientists believe are becoming more frequent and violent because of climate change. » | Guardian staff and agencies | Thursday, August 12, 2021

Brazil: Evangelical Superstar Expelled from Congress over Alleged Role in Husband’s Murder

Flordelis dos Santos de Souza insisted she was innocent and beseeched colleagues to show mercy. ‘Here Flordelis is, destroyed,’ she said. Photograph: Cleia Viana/Brazilian Chamber of Deputies/AFP/Getty Images
THE GUARDIAN: Lower house votes to strip the disgraced celebrity of her mandate in latest dramatic chapter of a saga that has gripped country

Brazilian lawmakers have voted to expel the gospel star turned congresswoman Flordelis over her alleged involvement in the murder of the husband with whom she had raised more than 50 children.

In the latest dramatic chapter of a saga that has gripped Brazil, 437 members of Brazil’s 513-member lower house voted to strip the disgraced evangelical celebrity of her mandate as a result of “conduct incompatible with parliamentary decorum”.

Twelve lawmakers abstained and seven opposed the expulsion of Flordelis dos Santos de Souza, a favela-born church leader who was elected in 2018 as part of the same evangelical wave that brought Brazil’s ultra-conservative president Jair Bolsonaro to power. » | Yom Phillips | Wednesday, August 11, 2021

Queer Quote of the Day

“It is against this God who kills that we are fighting and resisting.” – Alexya Salvador
Organized religion has been one of the harshest critics of homosexuality, citing holy writings as evidence that it goes against God. Alexya Salvador, set to become the first transgender pastor in Brazil, doesn’t necessarily see religion as the enemy of LGBTQ rights. As she states in this quotation, it is a particular version of God, one that is vengeful and judgmental, that must be eradicated. She strives for a different view of God: one that is accepting and loving of everyone, regardless of their identities. She hopes to usher in a new era of love and understanding between religion and the LGBTQ community.

About Alexya Salvador in Portuguese.

With special thanks to Human Rights Careers for this quote.

Sheer Joy!

Pure joie ! / Reine Freude!
With thanks and appreciation to Sarah Vendramini Photography for this great photo.

Maria Callas: O Mio Babbino Caro – Giacomo Puccini

Views on YouTube: 670,124

Giuseppe Verdi - Nabucco - Hebrew Slaves Chorus

Aug 28, 2013 • Metropolitan opera 2001. Conductor: James Levine | Views on YouTube: 565,627

Pourquoi Poutine a déclaré la guerre au champagne

Des bouteilles de simili-champagne russe. ©Sovfoto/UIG/Leemage
LE FIGARO : DÉCRYPTAGE - Moscou réserve l’appellation champagne aux vins russes et déclasse les bouteilles produites entre Reims et Épernay en «vin mousseux». Le gouvernement français demande la suspension de la nouvelle loi le temps de négocier un compromis.

Tempête dans une flûte de champagne ou prémices d’une bataille économico-diplomatique entre Paris et Moscou? Depuis début juillet, plus une bouteille ne quitte les caves de Reims et d’Épernay à destination de la Russie. Décrété par le Comité Champagne, qui regroupe les producteurs et viticulteurs de l’appellation, ce boycott est une réaction à la loi fédérale russe 345-FZ, promulguée le 2 juillet par Vladimir Poutine. Celle-ci impose de modifier les bouteilles. Sur l’étiquette principale, où figure la marque, il reste possible de garder le mot «champagne» en alphabet romain. En revanche, sur la contre-étiquette (plus petite, elle est collée au dos des bouteilles) rédigée en cyrillique, la mention «shampanskoye» est réservée aux vins pétillants produits en Russie et avec du raisin récolté en Russie. Les autres doivent se rebaptiser… «vin mousseux». » | Par Ivan Letessier | mercredi 11 août 2021

Réservé aux abonnés Les abonnements sont disponibles ici.

Avec ou sans sorbetière, notre guide pour préparer glaces et sorbets maison

Qui dit été, dit desserts glacés ! Getty Images
MADAME FIGARO : Qui dit été, dit saison des desserts glacés. Recettes et conseils pratiques pour préparer glaces et sorbets avec ou sans turbine à glace.

Quand vient le temps des vacances, on ne résiste jamais longtemps avant d'acheter une glace ou un sorbet. Mais au lieu de se rendre au supermarché ou chez le glacier, pourquoi ne pas les préparer soi-même ? Plus saines, plus parfumées, plus gourmandes, les glaces maison n'ont pas grand-chose à voir avec celles que vous achèterez au rayon surgelé. Voici sans plus tarder nos conseils et nos recettes pour rafraîchir petits et grands gourmets. Avec une vidéo et des recettes » | Par Valentine Poignon | mercredi 11 août 2021

Potato Basil Frittata with Ina Garten | Barefoot Contessa | Food Network

Jan 25, 2020 • Having guests over for brunch? Ina's frittata is sure to impress a crowd. Ina Garten throws open the doors of her Hamptons home for delicious food, dazzling entertaining ideas and good fun on Barefoot Contessa. | Views on YouTube: 183,489

Ingredients:

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, divided
2 cups peeled and 1/2-inch diced boiling potatoes (4 potatoes)
8 extra-large eggs
15 ounces ricotta cheese
3/4 pound Gruyère cheese, grated
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
1/3 cup flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder

Directions [Method]:

Heat the oven to 350 degrees F [177C – moderate heat]. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a 10-inch ovenproof omelet pan over medium-low heat. Add the potatoes and fry them until cooked through, turning often, about 10 to 15 minutes. Melt the remaining 5 tablespoons of butter in a small dish in the microwave. Meanwhile, whisk the eggs, then stir in the ricotta, Gruyère, melted butter, salt, pepper, and basil. Sprinkle on the flour and baking powder and stir into the egg mixture. Pour the egg mixture over the potatoes and place the pan in the center of the oven. Bake the frittata until it is browned and puffed, 50 minutes to 1 hour. It will be rounded and firm in the middle and a knife inserted in the frittata should come out clean. Serve hot.

'LOVING' - A Military Couple

A video short about John and Dariel and loving during WWII, "LOVING A Photographic History of Men in Love 1850s - 1950s"

Video created by HOGARTH World Wide NYC and shared as part of LOVING The Exhibition, June 2021 at HOGARTH NYC.

Democracy Now! Top US News & World Headlines — August 11, 2021

Annie Lennox: A Whiter Shade of Pale (Tradução)

Views on YouTube: 908,293

Queer Quote of the Day

“The Lord is my Shepherd and he knows I’m gay.” – Troy Perry
Troy Perry founded the Metropolitan Community Church: a Protestant denomination that specializes in welcoming the LGBTQ community. Perry was religious for much of his life,but was frustrated by feeling unwelcome as a gay man. With his ministry, he strives to give others a place of love, welcoming, and acceptance. He is also a vocal advocate encouraging other faith communities to open their doors to the queer community. [Source: Human Rights Careers. With many thanks and much appreciation for the quote.]

Elder Troy Perry’s Profile.

Brexit, Covid, Incompetence and Corruption and Where Is the Opposition?

Epstein-Skandal: Klage gegen Prinz Andrew | DW Nachrichten

Aug 11, 2021 • Der Sohn der britischen Königin Elizabeth II., Prinz Andrew, wird wegen sexualisierter Gewalt angeklagt. Der Fall soll jetzt vor einem US-Gericht verhandelt werden.

Als Freund des US-Amerikaners Jeffrey Epstein soll er Minderjährige sexuell missbraucht haben. Eine Betroffene hat ihn nun in New York angeklagt.

Durch die #metoo-Bewegung ist es etwas selbstverständlicher geworden, dass Frauen Anklage erheben und Machtmissbrauch öffentlich machen. Auch für Hollywoods Filmindustrie war das ein Einschnitt.

Oscar-Preisträgerin Reese Witherspoon hat das erlebt - keiner habe ihr zugetraut, dass sie sich in 20 Jahren im Filmbusiness ein gewisses Wissen angeeignet haben könnte, welche Filme gut funktionieren und wie sie sie finanziere. Dabei hat die 45-Jährige ihre Produktionsfirma gerade an den Investmentkonzern Blackstone verkauft und ein Milliardengeschäft gemacht.

Une stèle en mémoire de Simone Veil recouverte de croix gammées en Bretagne

Photographie de Simone Veil lors de son inhumation au Panthéon le 1er juillet 2018. AFP
LE FIGARO: Un autre monument en hommage de l'ancienne femme politique avait déjà subi le même sort en mars 2019.

Une stèle érigée en l'honneur de Simone Veil a été recouverte de croix gammées à Perros-Guirec, dans les Côtes-d'Armor, a appris l'AFP mercredi 11 août auprès de la gendarmerie. «Ce matin, nous avons découvert que la stèle de Mme Simone Veil a été recouverte de tags avec des croix gammées», a indiqué la gendarmerie des Côtes-d'Armor, confirmant une information des médias locaux. «Nous avons procédé aux constatations et aux investigations d'usage», a-t-on ajouté de même source. Une enquête a été confiée à la brigade de recherches (BR) de Lannion (Côtes-d'Armor). » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | mercredi 11 août 2021