Subject: strictly fyi: RIGHT WING WATCH
From: Ryan Schwartz <ryan@hummingbirdink.com>
Date: 12/2/2011 12:14 PM
To: NEWS@safeschoolscoalition.org

Dear Safe Schools Coalition Members and Friends:

1. Anti-gay extremists threaten violence over LGBT-inclusive students, education plan
2. Politics trump reality as Family Research Council honors 'family man' who owes back child support for three children from previous marriage
3. BC anti-gay parents group gets routed in school board elections
4. After losing the first time, opponents to CA's FAIR Law are aiming for 2012
5. Atlanta school board race gets anti-LGBT ad

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1. Anti-gay extremists threaten violence over LGBT-inclusive students, education plan
When students at a San Diego High School voted a lesbian couple as homecoming king and queen, they were celebrating two popular students and the school's ability to be welcoming and accepting. They never thought their votes would cause a flurry of threats from anti-gay extremists, but calls and emails have been pouring in from across the country. The district's frustrated superintendent said the threats are "disrupting the work of the school to focus on education" and called the criticizing adults "negative role models for children." Similarly, threats have been made against a British Columbia teacher who has drafted a professional development plan to address LGBT issues, who was told in a letter that he "will be shot" for his work. Thankfully, the violent threats have not derailed inclusive schools work and administrators in both areas are staying strong and committed to their efforts.

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2. Politics trump reality as Family Research Council honors 'family man' who owes back child support for three children from previous marriage
In their latest example of hypocrisy, the Family Research Council has named Rep. Joe Walsh a "true blue member," endorsing his anti-gay statements as "family values." Tony Perkins endorsed Walsh, applauding his "commitment to uphold the institutions of marriage and family." Walsh is current in a court battle concerning over $100,000 in back child support to the wife he walked out on. 

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3. BC anti-gay parents group gets routed in school board elections
Formed in response to their district's plans for LGBT-inclusive education and bullying prevention, the Burnaby Citizens Association placed a slate of candidates in their recent school board election. Despite the efforts, voters made clear their anti-gay stance was not reflective of their community. Each of the group's candidates received less than four per cent of votes.

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4. After losing the first time, opponents to CA's FAIR Law are aiming for 2012
Opponents to California's FAIR Law, which includes representations of LGBT people in classroom curricula, failed to get enough signatures to force a referendum on the law this year. Instead of admitting defeat, they are gearing up for a larger battle in 2012. The law goes into effect in January, so the new push would ask voters to remove LGBT people from school instruction. Huffington Post blogger Ana Beatriz Cholo attended an meeting of people opposed to the law and provides interesting commentary about what was said. 

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5. Atlanta school board race gets anti-LGBT ad
A candidate for Atlanta's school board race has been attacked for her support for "gender bending."In an interview earlier this year, top contender Angela Brown said she would support a male student who decided to wear a dress or skirt to school. This statement is prominently featured in a new campaign flyer that claims Brown "wants Atlanta school children to cross-dress." It is unclear who sent out the insensitive mailer, and Brown's opponent denies his involvement. 
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