This app helps you pee, and 6 other stories you might have missed
PinkNews brings you a roundup of news from the past seven days.
The PinkNews roundup recaps some of the most widely read and notable news stories from the past week, which you may have missed.
1. An iPhone app was launched that could help trans people pee in peace
New location-based app app Refuge Restrooms aims to help trans people avoid harassment in bathrooms – by creating a network of unisex and gendered toilets that are accessible and inclusive.
The iOS and Android app acts partly like a Grindr for toilets – allowing trans people to see the nearest toilets to them that have been marked as safe to use.
2. An Irish Bishop compared homosexuality to Down’s syndrome
The Bishop of Elphin, Kevin Doran, made an outrageous comparison ahead of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
When questioned as to whether he believed being born gay was as God intended Doran responded: “That would be to suggest that if some people are born with Down’s syndrome or Spina Bifida, that that was what God intended either.”
3. Anti-gay preacher Pat Robertson claimed he can perform miracles on dogs
Homophobic TV preacher Pat Robertson, who thinks people only turn gay when they have been molested by gay people, has claimed that he ‘faith healed’ his dog.
He claimed of his puppy: “I laid hands on him and asked God to heal him, and instantly the Lord took the pain away.
“It was instant healing! God’s healing is not limited to human beings, it’s for everybody.”
4. Church hit with violations for installing anti-gay sign without permission
ATLAH Worldwide Missionary Church in Harlem, NYC, got in hot water for a sign proclaiming “Jesus would stone homos – stoning is still the law”.
However, the content of the sign wasn’t the problem – the Church had erected it without planning permission.
5. A UKIP candidate questioned if storms were ‘God’s reply’ to same-sex marriage
Prospective MP Ted Strike questioned if storms that battered the country were “God’s reply to Cameron’s Coalition Government’s un-Godly change in the law on marriage”.
A UKIP spokesman accused opponents of “trawling” for embarrassing details – and Mr Strike continues to represent the party.
6. A teenager shared the horrifying messages his father sent after coming out
Canadian teen Tyler’s dad had told him: “I’m going to puke… You are trying to ruin me. This is worst than death.
Since sharing his story on Tumblr, the teen has received hundreds of well-wishing messages.
7. An Irish senator claimed same-sex marriage would ban Mother’s Day
Independent senator Fidelma Healy Eames claimed: “Happy Mothers’ day all! Hope we can continue to celebrate it after #SSM passed. In some US states Mothers & Father’s Day banned #pcgonemad”
It is correct that the United States is not celebrating Mother’s Day today – but only because unlike Ireland, the country holds celebrates Mother’s Day in May.
