bash back

(from the open publishing newswire)

Dear Diary,

My, how this month has flown by! I have been so busy bringing the queer insurrection; I’ve hardly had time to write everything down. Where to begin…

When the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) held its annual Gala Dinner and Silent Auction Saturday, Sept, 12th, autonomous queerz Bash Back: Twin Cities, The Revolting Queers, and the Twin Cities Avengers were there to welcome them even though we had not been invited and had no intention of paying the $200 entrance fee.

UPDATE #3: 2nd Statement from Bash Back! News: "The ADF decided to sue Bash Back!, Bash Back! Lansing and individuals because the authorities would not file a single criminal complaint regarding an action at the Mount Hope Church in Lansing last fall. ... [We] will be setting up an account to raise funds in the near future. Lets fill our pocket books and resist this suit."

UPDATE #2: Statement from Bash Back! News

UPDATE #1:  The subpoenas are in relation to a lawsuit filed by the right-wing Alliance Defense Fund.  The Christian ADF, which filed the suit on behalf of Mount Hope church in Lansing, also is encouraging criminal charges.  Numerous unnamed individuals in the suit may be sought in relation to the Mount Hope action or other church actions.

The press-release from ADF, which you can read here, describes the Bash Back! News website - also targeted by the subpoena - as featuring "terrorist-like garb."  Read more about the history of ADF here.

View a PDF of the complaint filed in U.S. District Court here.  The document fails to respect the gender identities, preferred pronouns or chosen names of those subpoenaed/allegedly involved in the activities in question - a perfect example of why direct actions like the one at Mount Hope church are taken by Bash Back! and others.  (The complaint is also linked on the ADF website.)

* * * *

Authorities have attempted to deliver subpoenas to at least three midwestern activists as of early Wednesday afternoon in relation to a Bash Back! action at an anti-queer megachurch in Lansing in November of 2008.  Activists disrupted the church service by demonstrating both outside and inside the building. The related complaint lists 14 names, Bash Back! and Bash Back! Lansing, and "John Does 1-20."

Prevailing advice early this afternoon is to reject delivery of the subpoenas if one comes to your door.