Des Moines Register - Iowa Senator: Boycott anti-gay radio advertisers
An Iowa senator is organizing a boycott of businesses that advertise during WHO-AM talk radio’s Jan Mickelson program.
His first target: Toyota of Des Moines even though he drives a vehicle purchased from the dealership.
“It’s the last one I’m ever going to own, that’s for sure,” said Sen. Matt McCoy, a Democrat from Des Moines.
Mickelson is a conservative host who said during a show broadcast from the Iowa State Fair last month that some AIDS education efforts destigmatize the “stupid behavior” of homosexuality. He likened AIDS to lung disease, cirrhosis of the liver and heart disease.
The station later ran a clarification noting that Mickelson is entitled to his opinions but that the statements confused medical fact and contained factual errors in the spread of the disease.
McCoy, who is gay, urged friends on his Facebook page to stop buying from the dealership. He said there plans to launch a website to encourage boycotts of other businesses that sponsor Mickelson or other programs that speak inaccurately or unfairly about gay and lesbians.
Joel McCrea, the vice president/market manager for the station, said he wasn’t aware of a campaign to boycott advertisers of Mickelson’s program. Advertisers have not withdrawn advertising from the program, he said, declining to comment further.
Ron Short, service manager for Toyota of Des Moines, said he was not aware of McCoy’s efforts. The car dealer currently has no plans to pull advertising during Mickelson’s program, Short said.
“No matter who you associate with, there’s going to be people that are with or against you,” Short said. “To focus it against Jan or anyone else I don’t think would be fair.”
One Iowa, Iowa’s largest civil rights group for gay and lesbians, has not taken a stand on the issue even though the group called for WHO to correct Mickelson’s statements. Justin Uebelhor, a spokesman for the group, said the boycott is an option but not a step the group has agreed to take at this time.
Iowa GOP’s war on courts could result in partisan judges
from The Iowa Independent
Starting from the days of Brown v. Board of Education, through Roe v. Wade and up to a federal judge overruling Proposition 8 in California last month, many conservatives have viewed the courts with contempt. The term “judicial activism” is often thrown around, usually meant to convey some variation on the idea that a judge implemented progressive policy against the will of citizens (though in a post-Citizens United world some liberals have taken to using the rhetoric of overreaching court decisions).
While this discussion raged at the national level, it largely bypassed Iowa courts, which through their merit nomination system, were generally viewed as less partisan. That changed with the state Supreme Court’s decision on the Varnum v. Brien case in 2009. In a unanimous decision, the court struck down Iowa’s Defense of Marriage Act, clearing the way for same-sex marriage.
Since that ruling, state Republicans have bemoaned not just the change in marriage laws, but also the structure of the court itself. With Terry Branstad leading in all polls and favored to retake the governor’s office for Republicans this fall, proposals to reshape the court nomination process could have a lasting impact on Iowa’s judicial system.
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: Nick Berte
by Nick Berte
Although I feel that nothing can stop two people's expression of true love, marriage equality still must be pursued. To me, denying the simple, basic and elemental expression of love that marriage embodies is a failure of the human heart, a lack of compassion and integrity.
Some day when I find that person whom I want to be with for the rest of my life, I want the same rights and protection as heterosexual couples. I want the same level of citizenship. I do not want to be told I am a second-class citizen because of who I love.
We – the gay community – are everywhere: We are your doctors, we are your nurses, we are your police, we are your teachers, we are your clothing consultants. And all we ask is to express our love in the same way straight couples do. What could gay couples possibly do to marriage that the straight community has not already done?
Growing up in a very conservative Iowa town, I did not always support marriage equality. I was raised Catholic, and for the longest time I could hardly say the word "gay". Raised to think homosexuality was a HORRIBLE sin defiantly puts a damper on the whole gay-rights thing. But after a difficult personal battle, I finally accepted myself.
A quote from Mother Teresa truly inspired me to be who I am: “God told us, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' So first I am to love myself rightly, and then to love my neighbor like that. But how can I love myself unless I accept myself as God has made me?”
The Varnum decision changed Iowa by bringing a usually hush-hush topic smack dab into the living rooms of every Iowan. This allows people to talk about marriage equality and really get the word out about change. Even people who do not support human dignity and love can now see we are here – we are real people, in every part of society – and no matter what they do, we are not going away.
I talk about marriage equality very openly with anyone who will listen, interjecting it in to everyday conversation. I also love to bring up the freedom to marry with new people, because it really gives me a feel for who they are. The key to change is to let go of fear, and the more people are talking the less fear they will have.
When people complain about what is happing in our country, I ask them what they are doing to help. Often the response is "nothing". My favorite part about volunteering with One Iowa is knowing I am truly doing something for our state and for our country. I am fighting for the rights of a minority I’m a part of. The importance of marriage equality touches every person in some way, and holds the potential to show an Iowa history that favors justice and equality for all.
Omaha paper clarifies gay marriage announcement policy
from The Iowa Independent
The Omaha World-Herald has been bashed of late through the social networking site Facebook for its lack of a clear policy regarding publication of wedding and engagement announcements for same-sex couples.
The flap prompted Publisher Terry Kroeger to set the record straight in a statement published Tuesday. Kroeger explained that the paper will “recognized licensed marriages approved by states,” and “that if citizens of more states approve same-sex marriage, our practice will adjust along with those changes.”
“Celebrations announcements regarding legal weddings, engagements for legal weddings or anniversaries of a legal marriage will be welcomed, regardless of the genders of the couple,” he wrote.
Kroeger also lamented the “firestorm” that erupted on Facebook as the publication considered its existing policies.
Catch Scriptease reading of LGBT play tonight!
StageWest hosts a free, monthly play-reading series, and this month's reading will hold special appeal for the LGBT community: TRIANGLES -- a gay/lesbian/heterosexual romantic comedy? -- by William Randall Beard and Mark Carlson. It's fun and it's free! Plus meet the Minneapolis playwrights!
SYNOPSIS: Tyler is in love with David, a married man. This is fine with Tyler, until he discovers that David’s wife is his sister’s business partner. Tyler’s sister, Joanne, is having romantic troubles of her own, dealing with her closeted partner, Donna. A fast-paced blending of romantic comedy, melodrama and farce, Triangles follows a racially diverse community of characters as they come to terms with family and commitment among the orientations.
Scriptease is held the last Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church, 1800 Bell Ave., in Des Moines. For more information, visit the StageWest website or call 515.309.0251.
'Independence' cited by justice in same-sex case
from The Des Moines Register
...The unanimous Varnum decision overturned a state law that defined marriage as the union of a man and woman. The court's seven justices ruled that the Iowa Defense of Marriage Act violated the equal protection rights of six same-sex couples who were denied marriage licenses in Polk County.
[Iowa Supreme Court Justice Mark] Cady urged the graduates not to shy from unpopular work as lawyers, because "you may very well be performing your most important work. Remember, what is popular at a given time is not always right."
The justice then cited the work of John Adams, who defended British soldiers against manslaughter charges in 1770 for their role in the Boston Massacre.
"In Varnum, we likewise just did our job," Cady said. "We did our job as judges, and this is what led to our unanimous decision."
Iowa Supeme Court attacks baseless and reckless, former justices say
from The Iowa Independent
The effort to oust the three Iowa Supreme Court justices up for retention vote this fall, along with calls by some to replace Iowa’s merit based system for judicial appointment with partisan elections, “reflect a fundamental misunderstanding and misrepresentation of the role, responsibilities and authority of judges in the interpretation and application of the Iowa Constitution,” three former state Supreme Court justices wrote Sunday in The Des Moines Register.
Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Marsha Ternus and Justices Michael Streit and David Baker are up for retention votes on the Nov. 2 ballot. They are targeted for defeat in an effort organized by Bob Vander Plaats, a three-time former GOP gubernatorial hopeful who says the court’s ruling last year legalizing same-sex marriage is grounds for the judges to be voted out.
Former Justices Robert Allbee, Linda Neuman and Mark McCormick defended the decision and the court that made it.
Iowa foes of same-sex marriage seek to oust judges who legalized it
from The Washington Post
... Last year, the Iowa Supreme Court upheld a lower court's ruling that the state's law barring the recognition of same-sex marriage violated the Iowa Constitution. It was a major victory for gay rights groups, in part because Iowa is the only Midwestern state to allow same-sex couples to legally wed, joining four other states and the District of Columbia.
Supporters note that ousting the judges would not change the ruling. Nevertheless, they see it as a symbolic threat and have begun reaching out to voters.
"I think those opponents of same-sex marriage are going to grab hold of this and run with it, and it will be a big battle ax that they can shake around and say, 'You're next,' " said Carolyn S. Jenison, executive director of One Iowa, a gay advocacy group.
The controversy has drawn the attention of the Iowa Bar Association and legal experts around the country, including former U.S. Supreme Court justice Sandra Day O'Connor, who is slated to address the matter at an event here next month. O'Connor for years has spoken out against the judicial elections, arguing that they create "politicians in robes."
Des Moines Register - Clear Channel: Jan Mickelson comments on AIDS contained errors
From the Des Moines Register's Jason Clayworth:
Clear Channel Communications today issued an on-air response to comments by commentator Jan Mickelson who said some education efforts about AIDS destigmatizes the “stupid behavior” of homosexuality.
The station noted Mickelson is entitled to his opinion but said his comments “confused strong opinion with medical fact and contained factual errors regarding HIV/AIDS, its spread and current efforts to inform the public about this disease.”
Mickelson made the comments during a show broadcast from the Iowa State Fair.
He noted during the broadcast awareness campaigns that contain local politicians or community members describing how AIDS does not discriminate. Such campaigns locally include appearances by Sen. Matt McCoy, Rep. Ako Abdul-Samad, both Des Moines Democrats as well as Register columnist Rekha Basu.
He then described how One Iowa, the state’s largest civil rights group for gay and lesbians, spoke out against a Republican candidate for state representative who referenced Bible verses that gays should be killed. A statement from Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Matt Strawn distancing the party from the comments is proof that propaganda works, Mickelson said.
“Why? Because there was a constituency group that used propaganda to destigmatize stupid behavior and it worked on Matt Strawn,” Mickelson said.
Mickelson then described how lung disease also doesn’t discriminate but it’s probably a good idea to stop smoking; sclerosis of the liver doesn’t discriminate but it’s probably a good idea to stop drinking; heart disease doesn’t discriminate but “you probably should take that weight off, lard butt.”
Politics, fun mix at the Iowa State Fair
from The Washington Post
Amid the rides, animal exhibits and food at the Iowa State Fair, activists debate the merits of a campaign to turn back the clock on gay marriages in the state. Some have called for the removal of judges on thestate's supreme court who ruled in favor of gay marriage, calling the ruling unconstitutional.
Clear Channel rebukes Des Moines radio hosts’ comments on AIDS
from The Iowa Independent
Clear Channel Communications Inc., which owns WHO-AM and several other radio stations in Des Moines, distanced itself Thursday morning from one its hosts who said the idea that AIDS does not discriminate is a lie [Audio].
The Iowa Independent reported last week that Jan Mickelson, who hosts a morning show on Iowa’s largest radio station, criticized Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Matt Strawn for denouncing a GOP legislative candidate who posted anti-gay statements on his Facebook. Strawn said “HIV/AIDS does not discriminate,” a point that raised the ire of Mickelson, who has a history anti-gay remarks. 
Mickelson said the disease discriminates against people who engage in “stupid behavior,” and since homosexuality is a “sexual disorder” that violates natural law, it “isn’t rocket science” to conclude AIDS discriminates against homosexuals.
“Homosexuality is intrinsically promiscuous, because it violates the design of our bodies,” Mickelson said. “There is no safe way to do that.”
In a statement read shortly before Mickelson’s program began Thursday morning, Clear Channel said Mickelson’s statements “confused strong opinion with medical fact, and contained factual errors regarding HIV/AIDS, it’s spread and current efforts to inform the public about this disease.”
Clear Channel rebukes Mickelson's "factual errors" on HIV/AIDS
Clear Channel Communications issued an on-air statement prior to today's Jan Mickelson radio show correcting "factual errors" in the radio host's commentary last week regarding HIV/AIDS.
Last Thursday, WHO Radio's Mickelson called public service announcements regarding HIV/AIDS "propaganda" and claimed AIDS discriminates against "the stupid behavior of homosexuality."
In the week since the remarks, One Iowa worked with our partners at the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), urging Clear Channel to correct the misinformation.
Clear Channel responded today by saying the remarks "confused strong opinion with medical fact, and contained factual errors regarding HIV/AIDS, it’s spread and current efforts to inform the public about this disease.”
“Jan Mickelson’s comments on HIV/AIDS are reprehensible," said One Iowa Executive Director Carolyn Jenison. "Stigma and discrimination surrounding the discussion of this epidemic are barriers to prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS. Clear Channel did the appropriate thing in responding to and correcting this misinformation.”
"We thank Clear Channel for addressing this issue in an on air clarification, to ensure that WHO-AM's millions of listeners will have the facts about HIV/AIDS, and dismiss the highly offensive, anti-gay and misinformed statements made my Jan Mickelson last week," said Cindi Creager, GLAAD Director of National News. "We'll continue to pay close attention to future broadcasts, and Mickelson's defamation will not go unchallenged."
Last Thursday's comments from Mickelson continue a pattern of anti-gay commentary, including a heated interview with openly gay GOP presidential prospect Fred Karger just the day before.
Audio of Clear Channel Statement
Audio of Mickelson's original comments (Begins at 51:25 mark)
Journal Editorial: Going after judges isn’t the solution
from the Muscatine Journal
Bob Vander Plaats -a Sioux City Republican who has unsuccessfully run for governor in 2002, 2006 and 2010 -has set his sights on new targets: The Iowa Supreme Court justices whose ruling in 2009 legalized same-sex marriages in Iowa. He has launched a campaign encouraging Iowans in November to vote no on the retention votes for Chief Justice Marsha Ternus and Justices David Baker and Michael Streit.
The message will be heard loud and clear both here in Iowa and across the country," Vander Plaats wrote over the weekend in an editorial in the Des Moines Register. "The ruling class ignores the people at its peril."
His language may well appeal to Iowans who are unemployed, anxious and angry about tough times that have gripped them right along with the rest of the country. But if he succeeds, what Vander Plaats will ultimately do is open the door for campaign finance becoming as important to members of Iowa's judicial branch as it is to those in the executive and legislative branches of state government.
And that is not a good thing. The last thing Iowa needs is politicized judicial races.
Achieving marriage equality in the Heartland
from The Decorah Newspapers
... "Iowa has a historic commitment to protect the equality and individual liberties to all of its citizens," said Sharon Malheiro during the Achieving Marriage Equality in the Heartland conference at Luther College last weekend.
Malheiro is president of the Board of Davis Brown Law Firm in Des Moines and founder and Board Chair of One Iowa, an organization that has led the effort for marriage equality within the state.
Working in cooperation with Lambda Legal, she helped lay the groundwork for Varnum v. Brien, Iowa's marriage equality lawsuit, initiated by six same-sex couples, including Bill Musser and Otter Dreaming of Decorah.
Malheiro said as a lawyer, it has been her passion to work for the rights of same sex couples in Iowa since the Defense of Marriage Act was passed in 1998.
She said she feels it is imperative that same-sex couples have the right to call their relationship "marriage" rather than just "civil union."
Radio host: AIDS discriminates against homosexuality
from The Iowa Independent
The gay rights movement has worked hard to convince society that AIDS does not discriminate, but that is a lie, conservative radio host Jan Mickelson said on his WHO-AM show Thursday.
Mickelson was responding to reports that a Republican candidate for the state legislature was rebuked by the state GOP chairman for statements on his Facebook page claiming AIDS was a punishment from God for homosexuality. Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Matt Strawn denounced the statements as “inappropriate” and said they “in no way represent the beliefs” of the party. Mickelson said Strawn is a victim of propaganda.
“For the chairman of the Republican Party to say, ‘AIDS doesn’t discriminate,’ well of course it does,” Mickelson said. “It discriminates against people who engage in stupid behavior.”
“Lung disease doesn’t discriminate, but it’s probably a good idea to stop smoking,” he said. “Cirrhosis of the liver doesn’t discriminate, but you should probably dry out and stop drinking like you’ve been doing. Heart disease and diabetes doesn’t discriminate, but you should probably take that weight off, lard butt. Of course lifestyle oriented diseases tend to reward those lifestyle afflictions disproportionately to the behavior of those doing them. This isn’t rocket science.”
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