MarriageThere's a good reason marriage is a hetero thing Tim Cannon - The PunchWhat with New York legislating same-sex marriage, and Labor state conferences toppling like dominos, it appears that same-sex marriage activists have adopted a new tack: “momentum rhetoric”.
Conservatives court the same-sex marriage lobby Chris Berg - The DrumNew York now joins Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Iowa, Connecticut, Vermont and Washington DC in having legalised gay marriage. Internationally, the club also includes Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, and Sweden.
Labor will create a 'gay stolen generation' of children forcibly deprived of a mum, says Dr David van GendDr David van Gend – The Courier Mail If you hold to the old-fashioned idea a baby deserves both a mother and a father, the president of the Queensland branch of the Labor Party, Andrew Dettmer, calls your views "abominable".
And now there are six Michael Cook - MercatorNetThe legalisation of same-sex marriage in the state of New York is not altogether bad news. It could wake up voters in other states – and other countries – to the strengths of the push for “marriage equality” and to the weaknesses of the defence of traditional marriage.
Pressure on Gillard to legalise gay marriage Anna Patty and Esther Han - SMHWhen Brendon Beavan, 37, met Michael Faucett, 46, more than four years ago, he wasn't afraid to ask: "Do you believe in marriage?"
"Yes," replied Michael, who admits it was love at first sight.
Judge grants Brazil's first gay marriage AFPThe first gay marriage was celebrated in Brazil overnight after a court gave its blessing to the couple living together for eight years, local media said.
Children We need to speak up for our vulnerable children Lynette Buoy - The DrumWith little government promotion, a major public inquiry into child protection is underway in Victoria. Announced by Premier Ted Baillieu in late January, the Protecting Victoria's Vulnerable Children Inquiry is now considering written submissions as it wends its way across the State to hear from people in person.
Cyber bullying likened to human rights abuseAlison Caldwell - ABC NewsThe Australian Human Rights Commission says in the world of the web, cyber bullying is an abuse of human rights.
Gender and equality between aspirations and realities Ioan Voicu - Online OpinionBy a happy coincidence, a large international debate on gender equality considered from a multicultural perspective is taking place during the International Year of Youth (August 12, 2010 - August 11, 2011). It was proclaimed by consensus by the United Nations to be celebrated with the central theme of dialogue and mutual understanding. A world youth conference having the form of a high level meeting of the General Assembly, will be held at United Nations Headquartersin New York on 25 and 26 July 2011.
Children who surf the internet are better readers Justine Ferrari - The AustralianParents might label it a waste of time but the hours spent surfing the internet, chatting online, and even on the dreaded Facebook appear to improve children's reading skills.
Indians pay surgeons to turn girls into boys Dean Nelson - SMHIndian doctors have been accused of conducting sex change operations on young girls whose parents want sons to improve the family's income prospects.
AbortionCouncil of Europe addressing sex-selection abortion problem Gregor Puppinck - LifeNewsIt took time for Europe to start addressing one of the saddest aspects of abortion: abortion for sexual selection. Finally, as a result of a motion for a resolution introduced May 11, 2010 by Mr Volontè and 21 other parliamentarians, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) decided to issue a report addressing this sensitive issue.
ChaplaincyCall to dump school chaplains Adam Cresswell - The AustralianOpposition to the school chaplaincy program is widening among mental health leaders. Expert groups are branding the scheme potentially dangerous and demanding its $220 million in funding be redirected.
Video Games
WASHINGTON: A Californian law that made it a crime to sell children violent video games - including ones that allow players to attack and mutilate realistic depictions of women - has been struck down by the US Supreme Court for violating the free speech provisions of the constitution.
Internet gaming a problem for youth Richard Willingham - SMHThe rise of internet gaming is exposing Australia's tech-savvy youth to problem gambling at school with an increase in advertising adding to the growth of interactive gambling.
Classification Apps, games could be classified to ensure 'unity' Karl Quinn - SMHMakers of mobile phone apps and games could be made to submit their products for classification if the recommendations of a senate inquiry are adopted.
Gambling Problem gambler 'offered $80,000 credit' Will Brodie - SMHFederal Liberal MP Alan Tudge is seeking changes to Northern Territory laws after one of his constituents claimed he ran up an $80,000 debt gambling on credit with Sportsbet.com.au
Religion Freemasons saving faith by encouraging diversity Geoff Strong - The AgeA Muslim, a Jew and an Orthodox Greek walk into a Masonic Lodge. Does it sound like the start of a joke? It's not - it is said to be the start of a trend.