Spencer Macnaughton | Uncloseted Media Weekly Newsletter | Who is behind the memorial to overturn same-sex marriage?
Remember in 2022 when most folks (including myself) thought there was no way Roe v. Wade could be overturned after it was legalized in 1973? Well, hindsight is 2020.
And with that hindsight comes deep concern about a memorial that was introduced in the Idaho Legislature last week calling on the U.S. Supreme Court to let states once again regulate the laws pertaining to same-sex marriage. The memorial, which was first introduced by Republican Rep. Heather Scott, pushes to restore the authority of defining marriage to the states and urges the U.S. Supreme Court to reconsider its 2015 decision in Obergefell v. Hodges.
Rep. Scott called SCOTUS’ historic ruling that legalized gay marriage an "illegitimate overreach" and asked for the restoration of "the natural definition of marriage" between a man and a woman. In the past, Scott has defended white nationalism on Facebook and dismissed the COVID-19 pandemic—which killed more than a million Americans—calling it a construction of “the lying, Trump-hating media who continue to push global and socialist agendas.”
But beyond Scott lies a deeper ecosystem of forces trying to overturn gay marriage. And this little memorial introduced in Idaho is the first step. The rumblings and parallels to how Roe v. Wade was successfully overturned are eerie and should concern all Americans who believe gay people deserve the right to marry their loved ones.
Uncloseted Media is already working on investigative stories looking at the web of people and organizations who are propping up folks like Scott and trying to take the Idaho memorial nationwide.
Stay tuned. And stay strong!
Idaho Lawmakers to Take Up Stance Opposing Same-Sex Marriage (Idaho Statesman)
Mark Zuckerberg Orders to Remove Tampons from Men's Restrooms at Facebook Parent Meta’s Offices. (The Economic Times)
Zuckerberg has reportedly directed the removal of tampons from men's restrooms in the company's offices, which had been provided to support non-binary and transgender employees who might need them.
Why right-wing influencers are blaming the California wildfires on diversity efforts (NPR)
Billionaire Elon Musk helped circulate screenshots of the Los Angeles Fire Department's four-year-old 'racial equity action plan,' writing "They prioritized DEI over saving lives and homes."
U.S. House Passes Bill Banning Trans Athletes from Competing in Women’s School Sports (Colorado Newsline)
The legislation—which advanced 218-206—came as an increasing number of states have passed laws banning trans athletes from participating in sports in K-12 schools and colleges that align with their gender identity and amid a wider GOP-led push to enact anti-trans legislation.
No notes this week! :)
This weekend, be on the lookout for new Uncloseted reporting:
🆕 As Joe Biden gets set to leave the White House as the most pro-LGBTQ President in U.S. history, what’s his actual track record when it comes to LGBTQ rights? We’ve got his full timeline, dating back to 1973 when he was sworn in as one of the youngest Senators of all time.
🆕 Poppers are used widely in the LGBTQ community on dance floors and at sex parties and have recently penetrated mainstream culture. The nitrates, which can be bought at most bodegas, gas stations, and smoke shops, are not legally allowed to be sold for human consumption, in part because they are unregulated by the FDA. The result? Dozens of poppers brands with different ingredients. What does this mean for frequent poppers users? Jake Angelo investigates.
Thanks for reading! And feel free to email me with questions, complaints, tips and story ideas!
Spencer Macnaughton, Editor-In-Chief
spencer@unclosetedmedia.com
If objective, nonpartisan, rigorous, LGBTQ-focused journalism is important to you, please consider making a tax-deductible donation through our fiscal sponsor, Resource Impact, by clicking this button: