Effort Under Way to Politicize Pulpits Ahead of 2012 Elections
The American Family Association is bankrolling dozens of events in at least 14 states that have trained almost 10,000 pastors to get their flocks more involved in socially conservative political causes, such as same-sex marriage, gay adoption, GLBT rights and abortion issues. Planners say they hope these efforts will reinvigorate the religious right as a force in national politics. Said one pastor who attended one of the regional trainings, “I came out of there like Seabiscuit out of the gate, ready to do even more.”

Fight brewing Over Calif. LGBT History Bill
A bill that would require California public school’s social science textbooks to include information about the historical contributions of LGBT Americans faces opposition from some religious groups. The measure has won support, however, the California Teachers Association and the Los Angeles Unified School District. The bill’s sponsor, openly gay State Sen. Mark Leno, said the bill is intended to provide role models for LGBT youth and help others understand the community’s place in the history of California and the U.S.

Mass. Gov. Appoints Lesbian to State Supreme Court
Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick has nominated Barbara Lenk to the state’s highest court, calling her a “very well prepared and highly qualified candidate.” Lenk would be the court’s first openly gay or lesbian justice.

Dozens Held in Raid on Shanghai Gay Bar
Police raided a Shanghai gay bar, Q Bar on Sunday, detaining at least 60 patrons and bar staff for as long as 12 hours. Reports from those detained suggest the police were interested in details about a dance performance. Others say it is because of the fierce competition of bar owners in the gay bar scene. The call came because of seeing nude men on the roof of the bar and they were very loud.