Philippine Supreme Court overturns ban on gay party in May elections

Philippine Supreme Court allows gay party in polls

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Supreme Court overturned a decision Thursday barring a gay rights group from contesting national elections in May and recognized it as a legitimate political party for the first time.
In a unanimous ruling, the 15-member court threw out decisions by the Elections Commission denying … Original source on Gaea Times at : Philippine Supreme Court overturns ban on gay party in May elections.

Ex Vatican No. 2 becomes unlikely papal cheerleader given support for Legionaries

Former Vatican No. 2 becomes unlikely cheerleader

VATICAN CITY – The former Vatican No. 2, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, has assumed the lead role in praising the pope for his handling of clerical sex abuse and defending him against “unjust attacks” in the media.
But the retired Vatican secretary of state is an unlikely front man in Rome’s … Read more >>>.

Filmmaker: Malaysia’s 1st gay-themed movie in the works, could hit cinemas before year-end

Gay-themed film challenges boundaries in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Malaysia’s first gay-themed movie could hit cinemas within months, its producer said, after government censors eased restrictions that have stifled the film industry here for decades.
Although the Malay-language movie won’t have explicit sex or even kissing, its screening would be a huge step forward for freedom … Original article on : Filmmaker: Malaysia’s 1st gay-themed movie in the works, could hit cinemas before year-end.

Costa Rican president says it’s time for Catholic Church to end priests’ celibacy vows

Costa Rica president: End priests’ celibacy vows

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica – Costa Rica’s president says it’s time for the Roman Catholic Church to stop demanding celibacy from its priests.
President Oscar Arias says forbidding priests from sexual relations goes against nature and the church should “correct that error.”
Arias also said Wednesday he supports a proposal being … Read more >>>.

Muslim scholar banned from US for 6 years over charity donation arrives in NY for discussion

Once-barred Muslim scholar arrives in NY for forum
NEW YORK – A prominent Muslim scholar banned from the United States for six years returned Wednesday for visits to four cities, saying he wants the U.S. to know its greatest threat is that it will surrender its core values because it fears Muslim-dominated countries.
“In the … Original source on Gaea Times at : Muslim scholar banned from US for 6 years over charity donation arrives in NY for discussion.

Ground broken in Atlanta for Ebenezer Baptist Church financial literacy and economic center

Historic church building financial resource center

ATLANTA – In the segregated South, the Rev. Martin Luther King Sr. knew that the path to equality in America was through economic empowerment, and as pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, he encouraged his congregation to have savings accounts and own homes.
His son, the Rev. Martin Luther King … Read : Ground broken in Atlanta for Ebenezer Baptist Church financial literacy and economic center.

Church says Norway bishop resigned in 2009 after admitting to child abuse allegations

Church: Norway bishop resigned in ‘09 over abuse

OSLO – Norway’s Catholic Church revealed Wednesday that a bishop who resigned last year did so after admitting he had molested a child years earlier, when he was a priest.
Georg Mueller stepped down as bishop in the western city of Trondheim in June 2009. The church said it …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Church says Norway bishop resigned in 2009 after admitting to child abuse allegations.