Entry
Rep. Andy Gipson Caves on Gay Marriage; Our Work Here is Done.
By R.L. NaveTwice this week the unthinkable has happened in Mississippi.
First, Ole Miss rallies back and upsets the Crimson Tide.
Now, Republican state Rep. Andy Gipson is acceding on the issue of marriage equality.
Gipson, a Baptist minister and attorney from Braxton, told the Clarion-Ledger for a story today: "I am opposed to same-sex marriage, but I believe the time has come for people of faith in Mississippi to prepare for the overturning of our constitutional ban on it."
Gipson is one of the Legislature's most conservative members, having introduced legislation in recent years aimed at undocumented immigrants and abortion rights—including a (successful) fetal heartbeat bill and a (successful) 20-week abortion ban.
In 2012, Gipson came under fire for referencing Bible passages implying that gay people be put to death. The remarks came in response to President Barack Obama's endorsement of same-sex marriage after years of waffling on the question. Gipson called same-sex marriage "horrific social policy," adding:
"Unnatural behavior which results in disease, not the least of which is its high association with the development and spread of HIV/AIDS; 2) Confusing behavior which is harmful to children who have a deep need to understand the proper role of men and women in society and the important differences between men and women, and fathers and mothers; and 3) Undermines the longstanding definition of marriage as between one man and one woman, a definition which has been key to all aspects of social order and prosperity."
Gipson isn't exactly endorsing marriage equality, but the fact that he appears to be telling fellow evangelical conservatives to save their energy fighting gay marriage.
Calling recent federal court decisions affirming gay marriage "the writing on the wall," Gipson said:
“It’s coming. People of religious conviction need to be processing what this means for the culture, and how we will respond to these issues in coming years – how we will maintain our religious convictions in this environment.”
Of course, Gipson is absolutely correct. More people today support marriage equality than don't; this is especially true of young people.
Through a news release, Rob Hill, the Mississippi state director of the Human Rights Campaign and a former pastor said: “Like Rep. Gipson, I am a person of faith, and our faith teaches that we are all God’s children. We also believe in the Golden Rule, to treat others as we would treat ourselves. ... These conversations are not easy and we welcome the opportunity to meet with Rep. Gipson to discuss ways to make our state inclusive for all Mississippians.”
Story
Strikes Didn't End Threat from Syrian Terror Cell
The barrage of U.S. cruise missiles last month aimed at a Syrian terrorist cell killed just one or two key militants, according to American intelligence officials who say the group …
Story
Even Supreme Court Justices Can Goof
The Supreme Court's mishandling of big news this week about same-sex marriage was a reminder: Even the justices put their robes on one arm at a time.
Story
In Mexico, Parents Hold Vigil for 43 Disappeared
Two weeks after 43 students disappeared in a clash with police in rural southern Mexico, dozens of anxious parents have gathered at a teachers' college that was supposed to be …
Story
Business
C Spire Brings Faster Than Broadband to Jackson
This morning, Ridgeland-based C Spire and City of Jackson officials announced Jackson as the telecommunications company's newest "fiber city."
Photo
Story
NFLPA Presidents Recognize Patient Approach
When Roger Goodell and several NFL owners were asked Wednesday how long a revamping of the NFL's personal conduct policy would take, they preached patience.
Photo
Story
Finance Officials Face Global Economy Under Threat
Though braced by a resurgent United States, the global economy is under threat from other regions—from Europe and Latin America to China and Japan—where growth is stalling and prospects remain …
Story
US Military Aircraft Arrive in Liberia
Presidents of several West African countries ravaged by Ebola pleaded for aid at the World Bank on Thursday as the U.S. military ramped up its efforts in Liberia, the country …
Story
Politics
Too Little Too Late?
State Sen. Chris McDaniel's election challenge has been going on for nearly four months, but the hopeful politician hasn't gotten his way so far.
Story
Lawmakers Consider Changes to Secret Service
Key members of Congress are weighing dramatic changes to the embattled Secret Service, including moving it out of the Homeland Security Department and breaking up its mission.
Story
Turkey, Kurd Tensions Worry US in Fight for Kobani
Even as it prods Turkey to step up in the global fight against Islamic State militants, the United States is worried that Ankara might use military action to target Kurdish …
Story
Hong Kong Government Cancels Talks with Protesters
Hong Kong's government on Thursday canceled talks with student leaders of a pro-democracy protest that has blocked streets in the city for nearly two weeks, with a senior official saying …
Story
Politics
Hosemann: Fewer than 900 Crossover Votes in June
Mississippi Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann says in a new report that fewer than 900 people might have voted in one party's primary and then improperly crossed over to vote …
Entry
Story
Gay Marriage Hopes Dashed After US Justice's Order
Same-sex couples who lined up to get married in Idaho and made plans to obtain wedding licenses in Las Vegas had their hopes dashed Wednesday after a U.S. Supreme Court …
Story
Obama, Military Assess Islamic State Strategy
With the Islamic State group holding its own in Iraq and Syria, President Barack Obama is huddling with the top U.S. military brass to assess whether their campaign to defeat …
Story
Federal Official: Fever Screening at 5 US Airports
The government plans to begin taking the temperatures of travelers from West Africa arriving at five U.S. airports as part of a stepped-up response to the Ebola epidemic.
Story
Next Edition of HealthCare.gov is Unveiled
The Obama administration unveiled a new version of HealthCare.gov on Wednesday, with some improvements as well as at least one early mistake and a new challenge.
