They call themselves the Westboro Church but as you can see they are better known as the Westboro Hate group.  The UK Border Agency speaking of Fred Phelps and his daughter said “Both these individuals have engaged in unacceptable behavior by inciting hatred against a number of communities.”  They went on to say “The Government has made it clear it opposes extremism in all its forms. We will continue to stop those who want to spread extremism, hatred and violent messages in our communities from coming to our country.”

Members of the Westboro Church had plans to protest The Laramie Project, which is a play about Matthew Shepard who died from being brutally beat to death in Wyoming.  It was hate that caused this death.

I am glad to see the UK take a stand and not allow such extremism in their country.  Free speech is one thing but to protest soldiers funerals and plays which try and teach love instead of hate then these people are nut bags that should not be allowed to leave the mental home for one thing.

I wonder if this means that the hate filled rhetoric which Sally Kerns is on this list as well?

Where is the love with all these big mouths anyway?  Do they not know how to love or is all they do obsess and hate other groups?  They need to get a life for one.  They don’t want you in the UK and we certainly do not want you in our towns so stay home you haters.

Yes, we love the UK!

As we look back on 2008, we can see a victory in the election of a new president, but many sorrows as well. Proposition 8 passed, leaving so many couples worried about the legalities of their marriages and many of us wondering about the possibilities in our states. What can the queer community expect or hope for in 2009? Is there anything we should prepare ourselves for in a negative context and what can we all do to reach for equality with a new president and government.

Marriage remains a big issue this year. New Hampshire and Maine will likely see marriage equality in 2009. New York, California, and New Jersey all have a good chance of truly equal marriages at the state level this year as well. See gayrights.change.org for a breakdown of the issue in each state and the chances of success.

During his campaign, Obama pledged his support for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, a full repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act, hate crimes legislation, and a repeal of don’t ask, don’t tell legislation. Unfortunately, all of these require not just presidential authority, but also the support of the House and Senate. Democratic gains in these important races in the 2008 elections may make all the difference here as well.

The Employment Non-Discrimination Act or ENDA was approved by the House in 2007, but died in the Senate. It is reasonable to expect that ENDA or a similar bill incorporating protections for sexual orientation and hopefully, gender identity, will be passed in 2009.

While the chances of a full repeal of DOMA in 2009 seem slim, a Repeal DOMA protest is planned for January 10, 2009 nationwide. More information is available at queersunited.blogspot.com.

An improved federal hate crimes law including sexual orientation and gender identity seems ripe for passage this year. The Matthew Shepard Act passed both the House and Senate in 2008 and was nearly sent onto the president as a part of a Department of Defense Reauthorization package. A threatened veto prevented the possible passage of this bill. The 2007 Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act (LLEHCPA) includes protections and data collection for hate crimes based on sexual identity, gender identity and gender. Dailykos.com offers a thorough overview of this issue.

While repealing don’t ask, don’t tell remains a priority for this administration, experts do not expect action to be taken in 2009. After the clear failure of don’t ask, don’t tell as a means of correcting long term military policy towards gays and lesbians, it is likely that this issue will be a sensitive one.

What can you do? Write your congresspeople. Write your senators. Call them. If there is an opportunity in your state for a town hall meeting, take the chance to speak to them in person. If issues come up in your town, city or state, be aware and do what you can. Be a face and a voice for change.

Watch out for people such as Sally Kerns who will be out there saying the craziest of things to get attention and make sure crazy witches like her do not get re-elected.  We should start now and prepare ourselves for the governor races for next year in states such as California and Texas.  There is a lot to do!

Yes, we all know it’s a Hallmark holiday, but nonetheless you can reasonably assume you will be in trouble if you do not show up on Valentine’s Day with a meaningful and thoughtful gift. It might also be smart to remember that, by and large, thoughtful gifts are not bought at the grocery store on your way home or off to see your significant other. The right present for your partner is one that they will love, and one that will show your love for them. This might be as lavish as a vacation together or expensive watch or jewelry or as meaningful yet inexpensive as a love letter or poem. Know your budget and your girlfriend or boyfriend’s preferences to choose a gift that your lover will cherish, whether it is expensive or not.

Sometimes nothing other than an expensive gift will do. A meaningful piece of jewelry or an inscribed watch may be the right present for the special person in your life. If you were pondering popping the big question, perhaps you are engagement ring shopping this year. There is something to be said for a gift that your partner can wear each day as a tangible reminder of your love.

Time together is another option when you are planning your romantic holiday together. In today’s busy world, spending time together can be one of the best gifts you can give your partner. Whether you plan a vacation together or simply a night out, taking time out of your lives to devote to one another is both a great option for romance and relationship building. Planning a day together doing something your partner loves, whether it’s a ball game or an outing to the art museum is sure to be a much treasured memory of Valentine’s Day 2008.

Some of the best romantic gifts are the ones that cost next to nothing. Write your partner a love letter, make a mix CD or play list with songs that matter to the two of you, or if you are creatively inclined, write a song or poem for your partner. While gifts from the heart may seem a bit cliche, they can be the most meaningful in any relationship. Even if you plan a day out or give an expensive gift, adding something handmade and from the heart can make this the best Valentine’s Day of your relationship.

Traditionally, flowers and Valentine Roses(possibly organic) present a sweet gift but then again there is always more room for something more romantic or something more creative.

What do you want your partner to get you on Valentines Day? A Romantic, Candle-Lit Date?