The AC360 Weekly Buzz: Same-sex marriage, SCOTUS, gun control, Mandela, Amanda Knox, urinal video games
What everyone’s talking about:
The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments about the legality of California’s Proposition 8 and the Defense of Marriage Act this week. CNN’s Jeffrey Toobin and Gloria Borger gave all the details of what happened inside the courtroom. Anderson spoke to civil rights activist Julian Bond who compares the fight for gay rights to the civil rights movement. He says “these are the same issues, the same struggle.” HLN’s Dr. Drew Pinsky addresses the argument that same-sex couples have a negative effect on children. He says studies show there's no harm done. Anderson also spoke with NFL punter Chris Kluwe of the Minnesota Vikings, who has been outspoken about marriage equality. Kluwe believes everyone should have the right to marry the person they love, just as he was able to do with his wife.
On Thursday President Obama urged Americans to pressure their elected leaders to pass stricter gun laws. 100 days after the Newtown school massacre, family members of the victims were present at the president's press conference to show their support. “We need everybody to remember how we felt 100 days ago and make sure what we said wasn’t just a bunch of platitudes, that we meant it,” he said. Anderson spoke with Democratic Strategist Cornell Belcher and The Washington Times’ Emily Miller about the politics of gun control and the president's efforts.
Gun law politics and the Newtown massacre
Gun control advocates are seizing on newly released documents showing the Sandy Hook shooter had a full-fledged arsenal in his home. What do the new revelations mean for the push for stricter gun laws? Anderson talks with Democratic Strategist Cornell Belcher and The Washington Times’ Emily Miller.
Nelson Mandela rushed to hospital
Former South African President Nelson Mandela is being treated for a lung infection. The 94-year-old was hospitalized for the second time this month.
Pistorius can travel while awaiting trial
A South African judge lifted the travel ban on athlete Oscar Pistorius, allowing the accused murderer to compete abroad. Judge Bert Bam also ruled that Pistorius can drink alcohol and return to the scene of the crime – his home. He's been living with his uncle since he killed his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in February.
Pistorius' attorney had requested lenient bail conditions so the track star could compete abroad to earn money, possibly for his legal defense. There are restrictions he'll need to comply with that pertain to monitoring his whereabouts. Pistorius will need to give his itinerary to the court a week in advance and surrender his passport within a day after returning to the country.
CNN's Drew Griffin spoke with the victim's uncle, Mike Steenkamp, who says the family won't comment on the recent court proceedings except to say, "We're feeling a little bit lost about that." They've decided not to be present in court for any part of the upcoming trial.
FULL POST
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Post by: Filed under: Crime & Punishment • Oscar Pistorius |
Will a TV news legend retire?
New York Times reporter Bill Carter discusses the possibility that Barbara Walters will end her storied career.
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Post by: Filed under: Entertainment • Pop Culture |
AC360 411: Battle over same-sex marriage
This week, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in two cases concerning same-sex marriage. One case hinges on the constitutionality of California’s Proposition 8, which bans such marriages in the state. The other case challenges the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act, which defines marriage as only between a man and a woman. The 1996 federal law denies federal benefits to legally married gay and lesbian couples. The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to announce a ruling in both cases in late June. Here’s the AC360° 411 on the battle over same-sex marriage:
- 2001: The Netherlands became the first country to legalize same-sex marriage
- Since then, 11 other countries have legally recognized same-sex marriages:
- Belgium (2003)
- Canada (2005)
- Spain (2005)
- South Africa (2006)
- Sweden (2009)
- Norway (2009)
- Argentina (2010)
- Iceland (2010)
- Portugal (2010)
- Brazil (2011)
- Denmark (2012) FULL POST
Kluwe: People 'not being treated fairly'
There are no openly gay players in the NFL. Minn. Vikings punter Chris Kluwe talks about why that is and when it might change. Kluwe says he believes some players are not open about their sexuality because, “the window of opportunity to play is so short that you don’t want to risk any sort of distraction that can keep you from keeping that job.”
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Post by: Filed under: Gay & Lesbian Issues • Gay Rights • Same-Sex Marriage |
RidicuList: Urinal video games
A new video game you control with pee – yup, we said it! - makes a splash on the RidicuList.
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Post by: Filed under: The RidicuList |
Dorner reward battle
CNN’s Kyung Lah traces the final hours of the hunt for cop-killer Christopher Dorner, and the calls made to 9-1-1.
Zine: ‘We must deliver’ reward
Some donors who promised reward money for the capture of Christopher Dorner are backing out because the manhunt ended in a standoff. However, CBS’ John Miller and Los Angeles City Councilman Dennis Zine agree that if the reward is not paid, it could jeopardize future manhunts and the authorities' credibility: "Nobody deserves this reward...they should pay it anyway," said Miller.
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Post by: Filed under: 360° Radar |
Go behind the scenes: AC361°
Gumby celebrates Isha Sesay's birthday
Anderson Cooper's birthday surprise
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