Porno Pete: No Longer Tax Exempt

Ex-Gay Watch reports today that Peter LaBarbera's SPLC-certified hate group, Americans For Truth About Homosexuality (AFTAH), lost its tax-exempt status in 2010. Yanked by the IRS!

According to the IRS, the tax-exempt status of Americans for Truth About Homosexuality (AFTAH) was revoked on 5/10/2010 (PDF). The reason for this action is listed by the reporting organization Guidestar as a “failure to file a Form 990, 990-EZ, 990-N, or 990-PF for 3 consecutive years.” These forms are required of legitimate non-profit organizations for review by the IRS and the public. While the current incarnation of AFTAH appears to have been active since 2006, we found only one form 990-EZ on file — for the year 2009 (PDF). In this, total receipts are listed as $110.000, out of which Peter LaBarbera received a salary of $75,000. For perspective, this is approximately the same salary plus benefits claimed by Exodus president Alan Chambers. Exodus lists eleven employees and a million dollar budget.

Ex-Gay Watch notes that AFTAH's "about" page STILL CLAIMS that donations are tax-exempt. (See the screenshot below.) They add: "Thousands of organizations exist which claim that homosexuality is a sin or otherwise immoral, only eighteen are listed as true hate groups by the SPLC. AFTAH is one of them."

Gay Weddings In Central Park!

On a gorgeous cloudless day, today dozens of gay couples married in the shade of two "pop-up chapels" in Central Park, with our own Father Tony officiating at two of the ceremonies. Above are newlyweds Jen and Rose, moments after Father Tony made it legal. Below, John and Rob exchange rings. Also on hand were hair and make-up artists who donated their time and materials. The day was emceed by openly gay television personality Dave Holmes. (Lots and lots of photos from today are here.)
RELATED: As informal a day as this was, I was especially struck by how respectful passersby became once they grokked what was going down. Throngs of tourists lined the barricades at all times, quieting down when the chapels were active, then erupting in cheers when they could see that each ceremony was complete. It was a beautiful thing to witness.

From Disney's Wedding Blog

On Disney's wedding blog today, a lovely recounting of a same-sex romance. Aaand here come calls for a boycott!

(Tipped by JMG reader Eric)

SLIDESHOW: Manhattan Marriages

Our own Father Tony sends in his slideshow taken at the Manhattan marriage festival this afternoon. Full-screen versions of the below images are at the above link. UPDATE: Tony's husband adds his own photos and commentary.

Brooklyn Celebrates

Well Wishes From Bette Midler

The Statute Of Liberty

NEW YORK CITY: Marriages Commence!

Marriages have begun to take place across the five boroughs, with hundreds of happy couples facing down the withering heat as they wait their turns to be called. Check out the slideshow being updated from the scene by Freedom To Marry's Michael Crawford.

Congratulations, New York!

LGBT history will be made today on the first day of legalized same-sex marriage in New York. Congratulations to all that worked so tirelessly to make today possible! Here's a short celebratory clip from JMG reader Sean Chapin.