Silas H. Shelton, an Ohio pastor known for his anti-LGBTQ+ stance and opposition to discussing sexuality in schools, was arrested on October 16th for alleged sexual assault of a minor. The charges include rape and sexual battery, with the victim reportedly being a girl from his congregation. Shelton, who has pleaded not guilty, previously criticized the availability of LGBTQ+ books at a school book fair, expressing concern about his daughter’s exposure to such materials and advocating against discussing sexuality in schools. His actions led to changes in the school’s book fair policies.
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Recent mass shootings in Michigan and North Carolina, both linked to MAGA and anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments, highlight a disturbing pattern of selective outrage. The article contrasts the media and right-wing response to these events with the reaction to the assassination of Charlie Kirk, where a trans roommate was falsely implicated and subjected to intense scrutiny. The author argues that the far right’s silence and lack of investigation into the shooters’ backgrounds, due to their alignment with MAGA ideology, reveals hypocrisy and fuels the demonization of the LGBTQ+ community. This selective outrage, the author claims, normalizes hate, puts queer people at risk, and contributes to the likelihood of future violence, particularly given the rhetoric and actions of figures like Donald Trump.
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The recent federal government shutdown, the third under President Trump, arose from disagreements over healthcare subsidies and funding authority. Democrats insisted on extending Affordable Care Act subsidies and limiting presidential “rescission” powers, while Republicans rejected these terms. Consequently, both parties’ stopgap measures failed to secure the necessary votes, leading to the shutdown and raising concerns among LGBTQ+ lawmakers. They worry about the impacts on healthcare access, equality, and family stability. Democrats are committed to opposing anti-LGBTQ+ measures and are fighting against Republican attempts to push blame on them.
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Anti-LGBTQ+ GOP Rep. calls for public execution of pro-LGBTQ+ Democratic congresswoman. He was outraged by a video of her calling for “non-violent resistance” to the president. It’s honestly just mind-boggling to consider a scenario where a sitting member of Congress, a Republican no less, openly calls for the public execution of a fellow congresswoman, a Democrat, and the reasoning stems from her advocating for “non-violent resistance.” The sheer audacity, the blatant disregard for democratic principles, it’s just… shocking. The irony practically drips from this situation: someone, specifically a representative, is advocating for the ultimate act of violence – taking a life – while feigning outrage over a call for non-violent action.… Continue reading
Russell M. Nelson, the oldest-ever president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died at the age of 101 in Salt Lake City. Nelson, who served in the church’s highest levels of leadership for four decades, implemented significant changes, including discouraging the use of “Mormon” and “LDS” and modifying policies related to LGBTQ+ members. During his tenure, Nelson navigated scrutiny over the church’s handling of abuse reports while also expanding leadership and forging new partnerships, such as one with the NAACP. Nelson’s passing will likely result in Dallin H. Oaks, the next longest-tenured member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, becoming the next president of the faith.
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A 42-year-old Texas man, Joshua Cole, has been arrested and charged with threatening to shoot up the Abilene Pride Parade. According to the FBI, Cole made specific threats on Facebook, motivated by the recent assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. Cole was arrested a day later and admitted to operating the Facebook account but claimed he did not intend to carry out the threats. He is currently being held before trial and faces a potential five-year prison sentence if found guilty.
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Texas Governor Abbott signed a bill concerning restroom access, calling it a public safety measure. The law mandates that individuals in jails, prisons, and domestic violence shelters be housed according to their birth sex and will impact access to bathrooms in public buildings. The bill’s proponents claim it will keep women and girls safe, while opponents argue it is government overreach and will cause harassment. The legislation imposes substantial fines on institutions violating the policy, making it the most financially punitive bathroom restriction in the country.
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A court has sentenced a former Iranian cultural official to 100 lashes after convicting him of having sexual relations with another man. Well, that’s quite a headline, isn’t it? It immediately conjures up images of a harsh reality, a world away from the freedoms many of us take for granted. The fact that this individual was a former cultural official, someone who presumably had a hand in shaping the very values of the society, adds another layer of complexity to the story. It’s a stark reminder of the hypocrisy that can exist within any system, regardless of its ideological foundation.
The sentence itself – 100 lashes and two years of exile – is brutal.… Continue reading
The Associated Press is a globally recognized, independent news organization committed to factual reporting, tracing its roots back to 1846. AP consistently upholds its reputation as a reliable source for fast, accurate, and unbiased news in various formats. It provides critical technology and services to the news industry, reaching over half the world’s population daily. Therefore, the AP maintains its position as a cornerstone of global news dissemination.
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During a discussion in the Oval Office, former President Trump stated he would not object to the removal of LGBTQ+ Progress Pride flags from Washington, D.C., even considering them as potential symbols of domestic terrorism. Trump made the statement after a reporter suggested the flags could represent “transtifa.” This conversation echoed recent right-wing narratives. The Progress Pride flag, representing visibility and belonging for the LGBTQ+ community, has become a widely recognized symbol.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood