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Actress Idina Menzel, who played Elsa in Disney’s hit film “Frozen,” said on Sunday that “it’s great” to see her character stirring things up amid debate over a social media campaign aimed at urging Disney to make Elsa “a lesbian princess” in the film’s sequel. “I think it’s great that she’s stirring it up, and Disney’s just gotta contend with that,” Menzel told Entertainment Tonight during an interview on the red carpet at the Billboard Music Awards. “I’ll let them figure that out.” The actress did say that she would embrace Disney’s decision “no matter what.” Watch Menzel’s comments below: The actress’ comments were related to a Twitter campaign that launched last month with the hashtag #GiveElsaAGirlfriend. It began after a teenager named Alexic Isabel Moncada tweeted, “I hope Disney makes Elsa a lesbian princess imagine how iconic that would be” and added, “Dear @Disney, #GiveElsaAGirlfriend,” according to WJW-TV. Her tweets quickly reverberated across social media, with Moncada subsequently writing a piece for MTV explaining why she believes having a lesbian princess would be an important move for Disney, writing that, to date, “we’ve never been able to see the purity in a queer relationship.” “Many in the LGBT community view this movie as a metaphor for the experience of coming out and accepting who you are,” she wrote. “Yet Elsa, the film’s protagonist, will probably end up with a male prince or king in the upcoming ‘Frozen’ sequel.” Moncada concluded by stating that showing young girls that women can love other women in the “same way Cinderella loved her Prince Charming” is an essential element to their development. The campaign hasn’t gone over too well with conservative groups, who oppose integrating a same-sex storyline into the children’s film. In fact, a petition opposing the move has attracted more than 205,000 signatures. “Join us in standing against the absurd ’movement’ to turn Queen Elsa of Frozen into a lesbian during the 2018 sequel, ‘Frozen 2,’” the petition reads. “We hope that Disney will not give in to the pressures of the liberal agenda.” Ironically, “Frozen” has faced a variety of accusations over the years, including one radio host’s controversial claim that the film inserted gay and lesbian themes. Others, though, have observed covertly Christian messages embedded in the film. (H/T: Entertainment Tonight) – Follow the author of this story on Twitter and Facebook and check out his new book “The Armageddon Code: One Journalist’s Quest for End-Times Answers”: Follow @BillyHallowell Read more stories from TheBlaze ‘Really, Hershey?’ Visitors Have Mixed Reactions After Hersheypark Announces It Will Allow Guests to Use Bathrooms According to Gender Identity Clinton Calls Trump’s Pro-Gun Policies ‘Not Just Way Out There,’ but ‘Dangerous’ Parents Find Horrific Injuries on 1-Year-Old Son — And They’re Stunned When They Learn Why Charges Are Being Dropped Elderly Book End-of-Life Talks Once Labeled ‘Death Panels’ Biden: Diverse Military of Women, Gays Strengthens U.S. Forces Source

The Detroit News 5 plead guilty in MotorCity Casino cheating scheme The Detroit News Five of seven individuals charged in an alleged conspiracy to steal from Detroit's MotorCity Casino have pleaded guilty, and four of the five agreed to testify against the remaining holdouts, Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette announced Monday ... Guilty Pleas In Motor City Casino Cheating Conspiracy CaseCBS Local all 4 news articles » Google

The Detroit News 5 plead guilty in MotorCity Casino cheating scheme The Detroit News Five of seven individuals charged in an alleged conspiracy to steal from Detroit's MotorCity Casino have pleaded guilty, and four of the five agreed to testify against the remaining holdouts, Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette announced Monday ... Guilty Pleas In Motor City Casino Cheating Conspiracy CaseCBS Local all 4 news articles » Google

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced a bill that would criminalize anti-transgender speech, will violators receiving up to two years in prison. The new bill, introduced May 17 on the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, aims to amend the Canadian Criminal Code to expand the country’s “hate speech” prohibitions to include any public speech or communication that “promotes hatred” on the basis of “gender identity” or “gender expression.” It would also change the Canadian Human Rights Act to cover transgender people. AP Photo/Mark Lennihan “As a society, we have taken many important steps toward recognizing and protecting the legal rights for the LGBTQ2 community — from enshrining equality rights in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms to the passage of the Civil Marriage Act,” Trudeau said in a speech, adding, “There remains much to be done, though. Far too many people still face harassment, discrimination, and violence for being who they are.” Trudeau deemed these sorts of actions and sentiments “unacceptable.” “To do its part,” the prime minister continued, “the Government of Canada today will introduce legislation that will help ensure transgender and other gender-diverse people can live according to their gender identity, free from discrimination, and protected from hate propaganda and hate crimes.” Prime Minister Trudeau, who heads Canada’s Liberal Party government, plans to march in the Toronto Gay Pride parade in July. “This enactment amends the Canadian Human Rights Act to add gender identity and gender expression to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination,” a summary of the bill reads. “The enactment also amends the Criminal Code to extend the protection against hate propaganda set out in that Act to any section of the public that is distinguished by gender identity or expression and to clearly set out that evidence that an offence was motivated by bias, prejudice or hate based on gender identity or expression constitutes an aggravating circumstance that a court must take into consideration when it imposes a sentence.” “The CHRC (Canadian Human Rights Commission) has long advocated for this change,” a statement on the Canadian Human Rights Commission’s website reads. “Transgender and gender-diverse individuals across Canada face discrimination, exclusion, and hostility in their daily lives — often impacting their access to everyday services that many Canadians take for granted when they, for example, want to see a family physician, travel or use a public washroom.” The draft of the new bill is believe to be inspired by an unsuccessful proposed legislation defending transgender rights that was tabled last year by lawmaker Randall Garrison of the New Democratic Party. Canadian law already prohibits anti-gay “hate propaganda.” In 2013, the Canadian Supreme Court upheld the conviction of a Christian street preacher who was distributing leaflets denouncing homosexual acts. The court held that the man had used “vilifying and derogatory representations to create a tone of hatred” against gay people, the Legal Examiner reported at the time. The court determined that the pastor’s behavior constituted ”hate propaganda” and that his religious beliefs did not excuse him from violating the law. Read more stories from TheBlaze ‘Really, Hershey?’ Visitors Have Mixed Reactions After Hersheypark Announces It Will Allow Guests to Use Bathrooms According to Gender Identity Clinton Calls Trump’s Pro-Gun Policies ‘Not Just Way Out There,’ but ‘Dangerous’ Parents Find Horrific Injuries on 1-Year-Old Son — And They’re Stunned When They Learn Why Charges Are Being Dropped Elderly Book End-of-Life Talks Once Labeled ‘Death Panels’ Biden: Diverse Military of Women, Gays Strengthens U.S. Forces Source

AL.com Officials: 2 people injured following shooting near park Times Daily BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Two people, including an 11-year-old boy, have been injured following a shooting near a park in Birmingham. Birmingham police spokesman Sgt. Bryan Shelton tells news outlets that the incident took place at Grayson Park ... Boy, 11, another male injured in shooting at Grayson ParkWTVM 2 wounded by afternoon gunfire in Birmingham park, including 11-year-old boyAL.com Residents concerned after two people were struck by bullets at Birmingham parkWVTM13 Alabama's News Leader -Trussvilletribune all 9 news articles » Google

AL.com Officials: 2 people injured following shooting near park Times Daily BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Two people, including an 11-year-old boy, have been injured following a shooting near a park in Birmingham. Birmingham police spokesman Sgt. Bryan Shelton tells news outlets that the incident took place at Grayson Park ... Boy, 11, another male injured in shooting at Grayson ParkWTVM 2 wounded by afternoon gunfire in Birmingham park, including 11-year-old boyAL.com Residents concerned after two people were struck by bullets at Birmingham parkWVTM13 Alabama's News Leader -Trussvilletribune all 9 news articles » Google

CBS Local Three Killed In Kankakee Crash CBS Local A car ended up in a ditch after hitting a traffic light pole in Kankakee. Three people died in the crash. (Credit: CBS). 2. CHICAGO (CBS) — Three people were killed early Monday, when a car lost control as it was exiting Interstate 57 in Kankakee ... Three killed when car hits pole on I-57 exit ramp in KankakeeChicago Tribune 3 dead, 1 injured in Kankakee crashWLS-TV Police: 3 dead in I-57 rollover crash in KankakeeFox 32 Chicago all 5 news articles » Google

Los Angeles Times Foundation would weigh down a President Clinton Chicago Tribune The Clintons have been targeted by trumped-up scandals from Whitewater to Benghazi. There also are self-inflicted wounds: President Bill Clinton's dalliance with Monica Lewinsky and Hillary Clinton's use of private e-mail servers while secretary of state. Schweizer: Foreign Donations to Clinton Foundation Violated Hillary's Established Ethical Standards on BriberyBreitbart News Bill Clinton, Economy Czar?New York Times Hillary Clinton's desperation is showing as she tries to play the Bill and 'woman' cardsFox News Media Matters for America -Patriot Post -Communities Digital News -New York Post all 58 news articles » Google

Just a month after Prince’s unexpected passing, Sunday night’s Billboard Music Awards closed with a controversial tribute to the musician, starring Madonna and featuring a surprise duet with Stevie Wonder. Ten days before the awards show, when Madonna’s tribute to Prince was announced, there was an outcry on social media protesting the show producers’ choice. The change.org petition against Madonna as the only performer paying tribute to Prince generated more than 8,000 online signatures and sparked a counter-protest from Madonna fans. Despite the outcry against Madonna, the producers were not publicly backing down. However, the unannounced addition of Stevie Wonder could be seen as a victory by those who demanded more performers be added to the tribute. Immediately after the show ended, social media exploded with criticism of the performance. Image source: Twitter Black Entertainment Television subtly slammed the performance, using it to plug the network’s upcoming awards show featuring a tribute to Prince. Comedian Chris Paul called the performance “soulless.” Entertainment Tonight’s Kevin Frazier weighed in as well. As did much of the Twitterverse: Not everyone was unhappy with the tribute. Comic Margaret Cho was moved to tears by the performance. A Rolling Stone recap of the awards show includes a clip of the performance. — Follow the author of this story on Twitter and Facebook: Follow @stuntbrain Read more stories from TheBlaze ‘Really, Hershey?’ Visitors Have Mixed Reactions After Hersheypark Announces It Will Allow Guests to Use Bathrooms According to Gender Identity Clinton Calls Trump’s Pro-Gun Policies ‘Not Just Way Out There,’ but ‘Dangerous’ Parents Find Horrific Injuries on 1-Year-Old Son — And They’re Stunned When They Learn Why Charges Are Being Dropped Elderly Book End-of-Life Talks Once Labeled ‘Death Panels’ Biden: Diverse Military of Women, Gays Strengthens U.S. Forces Source

Ohio Ends Planned Parenthood Funding Effective Today WKSU News Led by Senate President Keith Faber, Ohio's GOP-dominated Legislature stripped funding from Planned Parenthood. Credit OHIO PUBLIC RADIO. A new state law goes into effect today that prevents public money from going to Planned Parenthood. and more » Google

WHAG Search continues for two suspects in Hancock homicide Herald-Mail Media HANCOCK — The Washington County Sheriff's Office said it will continue to work diligently to find two suspects who are wanted in connection with the homicide of an 81-year-old Hancock woman whose body was found in her home last week. "We were ... Deputies Search for 2 Suspects After Elderly Woman's DeathABC News Deputies searching for two suspects in connection to the death of 81-year-old Hancock womanWHAG all 9 news articles » Google

Haaretz Israel: Palestinian Killed After Attempted Police Stabbing New York Times JERUSALEM — Israeli police say forces shot dead a Palestinian woman after she tried to stab a police officer at a West Bank checkpoint. Spokeswoman Luba Samri says on Monday the woman approached the checkpoint with a knife. An officer opened fire, ... Israel Resumes Cement Shipments for Gaza ReconstructionVoice of America Ex-White House Aide Ross: Obama Made Conscious Decision To Distance Himself From 'Problematic' IsraelBreitbart News Palestinians in Gaza pour scorn on Lieberman threatsAljazeera.com The Jewish Press -Ynetnews -The Times of Israel -Jerusalem Post Israel News all 131 news articles » Source

Newsweek John Oliver Breaks Down the Lunacy of the Presidential Primary Process Newsweek Most Americans concede that we don't totally understand how the presidential primary process works—the primaries, the caucuses, the delegates and superdelegates. On the latest episode of Last Week Tonight, John Oliver makes it clear that the system is ... John Oliver to Bernie Sanders Supporters: The System Is Broken But Hillary Is Winning AnywayDaily Beast John Oliver Takes on Broken US Election Systems: 'Complex, Opaque Rules No One Understands'Mediaite John Oliver's solution to delegate mayhem involves Groundhog DayEntertainment Weekly Huffington Post -TIME -Mother Jones -The Week Magazine all 13 news articles » Google

BEIRUT (AP) — A series of explosions rocked two normally quiet coastal government strongholds in Syria Monday, killing more than 80 people and wounding 200 others, state media and opposition activists said. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attacks. In this photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, Syrians gather in front of a burning car at the scene where suicide bombers blew themselves up in the coastal town of Tartus, Syria, Monday, May 23, 2016. (SANA via AP) The deadly blasts in the peaceful pro-government cities of Tartus and Jableh were the first of their kind targeting civilians in those areas during Syria’s civil war, now in its sixth year. The targets included bus stations and a hospital, and marked an escalation in the conflict as world powers struggle to restart peace talks in Geneva. Several rounds of peace negotiations were held in the Swiss city earlier this year, although there was no breakthrough and the talks never really took off. The TV reports said at least one suicide bomber, followed by a car laden with explosives, tore through a packed bus station in Tartus, minutes apart. More than 33 people were killed and many injured in the bombings. In this photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, the wreckage of burned vehicles is seen at the site of a bombing in the coastal town of Tartus, Syria, Monday, May 23, 2016. (SANA via AP) Separately, Syria’s SANA news agency reported that four explosions rocked Jableh, south of Latakia city. The attacks included three rocket strikes, and a suicide bombing at the emergency entrance of the Jableh national hospital, state media said. Jableh News Network, an opposition activist media group, said that one of those killed at the hospital is a nurse, Huda al-Houshi. Footage aired by the state-run Ikhbariya TV showed several cars on fire and thick black smoke billowing in the air. It also showed the charred remains of cars and minivans in what appears to be a bus station in Jableh. Russia keeps a naval base in Tartus and an air base in Latakia province. Insurgents maintain a presence in rural Latakia. The coordinated and near-simultaneous attacks marked a major security breach of government strongholds that have remained calm throughout the war. Tartus and Jableh are home to thousands of internally displaced people from violence-stricken areas across Syria. In this photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, Syrians inspect damages after a bombing attack at a bus station, in the coastal town of Tartus, Syria, Monday, May 23, 2016. (SANA via AP) The bombings unleashed an immediate backlash against the refugees, with families of the victims attacking IDP shelters. One shelter, al-Karnak, was burned down. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition monitoring group based in Britain, put the death toll at more than 100. It said that seven explosions ripped through both locations simultaneously: four in Jableh, including three suicide bombings and one car bomb, and three in Tartus, including two suicide bombings and one car bomb. It said that in Jableh, dozens were killed when a car bomb went off near a bus station, followed by a suicide bomber who detonated his explosive belt inside the station. Meanwhile, two men blew themselves up at the electricity company and outside the emergency entrance of a city hospital. Dozens more were killed in Tartus when a car bomb went off in the bus station, and then two men blew themselves up when people gathered, according to the Observatory. “We will not be deterred … we will use everything we have to fight the terrorists,” said Syrian Cabinet Minister Omran al-Zoubi on Syrian TV. A news agency linked with the Islamic State group said the group’s militants were behind the multiple attacks. The one-sentence report by the IS-linked Aamaq news agency, which routinely carries the group’s news and claims, offered no details. Read more stories from TheBlaze ‘Really, Hershey?’ Visitors Have Mixed Reactions After Hersheypark Announces It Will Allow Guests to Use Bathrooms According to Gender Identity Clinton Calls Trump’s Pro-Gun Policies ‘Not Just Way Out There,’ but ‘Dangerous’ Parents Find Horrific Injuries on 1-Year-Old Son — And They’re Stunned When They Learn Why Charges Are Being Dropped Elderly Book End-of-Life Talks Once Labeled ‘Death Panels’ Biden: Diverse Military of Women, Gays Strengthens U.S. Forces Source

Washington Times Indiana Court to Hear Woman's Appeal of Feticide Conviction ABC News Attorneys for an Indiana woman found guilty of killing the premature infant she delivered after ingesting abortion-inducing drugs will ask an appeals court Monday to throw out the convictions that led to her 20-year prison sentence. At issue is Indiana ... US Woman Appeals 20-Year Prison Sentence for Having an AbortionteleSUR English 5 facts about woman sentenced to prison for at-home abortionRolling Out all 12 news articles » Google

Minneapolis Star Tribune 2 killed in fiery Rock County crash Minneapolis Star Tribune Sheriff's deputies say a 27-year-old Madison man lost control of a car on Highway 14 Sunday afternoon and slid into the path of on oncoming SUV in Union Township. The car started on fire. The driver and a 26-year-old passenger from Fitchburg were ... 2 dead in head-on crash in Rock CountyChannel3000.com - WISC-TV3 Fatal Crash Takes Two Lives in Rock County SundayWDJT Two Dead After Serious Car Accident in Rock CountyMyStateline.com all 6 news articles » Google

Baltimore Sun Pepper Spray at Graduation Party: Police Review Recordings ABC News Police say they're reviewing body camera footage and 911 call audio after officers used pepper spray to break up a University of Maryland graduation party. University police said in a statement late Sunday that a 911 caller reported a fight and ... Police continue investigation of UMD pepper spray incidentWUSA9.com Cops pepper spray Maryland grad party: 'This wouldn't have happened if this was a white party'Raw Story Police review use of pepper spray at UMD graduation partyABC2 News Clay Center Dispatch -Washington Post -WJLA -NBC4 Washington all 20 news articles » Google

Bleacher Report Denver Broncos' Full Position Breakdown and Depth-Chart Analysis at Quarterback Bleacher Report The Denver Broncos have to do what most Super Bowl winners don't have to worry about the year after a championship is won; they have to find a new quarterback. Like the 2000 Baltimore Ravens, who won it all but didn't bring Trent Dilfer or Tony Banks ... Mark Sanchez is the fourth-best QB in the AFC WestThe Denver Post Klee: From Tim Tebow to Paxton Lynch, a wild era for Broncos quarterbacksColorado Springs Gazette Brock Osweiler reveals the real reason he left the Broncos for the TexansFOXSports.com CBSSports.com -Sports Illustrated -Sporting News -Chron.com all 31 news articles » Google

UPI.com Tom Brady to Appeal Deflategate Ruling to Entire US Second Circuit Court of Appeals ABC News Tom Brady of the New England Patriots leaves federal court after contesting his four game suspension with the NFL, Aug. 31, 2015, in New York City. more +. 0 Shares. Email · Tom Brady will appeal the federal court ruling re-instating his four-game ... Time for Brady's Hail Mary Deflategate legal defenseThe Boston Globe Teams with aging QBs aren't following the Patriot WayESPN (blog) Monday is deadline for Tom Brady, NFLPA to appeal rulingWEEI.com NBCSports.com -My Fox Boston -WHDH-TV -WCVB Boston all 24 news articles » Google

CBS Local Nixon Pushing Back on Newly Passed Tax Breaks CBS Local JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) – Missouri's Republican-led Legislature this year passed tax breaks for goods and services ranging from wheelchairs to yoga classes, setting up a potential showdown with Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon over what he said could lead ... Gov. Nixon: Action on Clemency Requests 'relatively soon'OzarksFirst.com Missouri governor pushing back on newly passed tax breaksfox4kc.com The Missing Element in the 2016 Legislative SessionColumbia Daily Tribune all 5 news articles » Google

The National Church of Scotland voted during its general assembly this weekend to extend recognition to ministers and deacons who are in same-sex marriages, with commissioners deciding in a 339 to 215 vote to adopt the provision. But there’s a bit of a twist: Scotland’s national church is claiming that, despite the change, it still maintains a “traditional view of marriage as a union between one man and one woman,” with the latest ministerial provision coming after years of internal battles, according to AFP and ABC. While the church has opened itself up to recognition of ministers who are in gay marriages — an upgrade over the church’s previous recognitions of ministers and deacons in civil partnerships — the Church of Scotland does not currently allow preachers to solemnize gay unions, according to a statement released by the religious body on Saturday. AP “We had a debate which made very clear that we were not interfering with our theological definition of marriage and were not going to the place where ministers or deacons could themselves conduct same sex marriages.” the Rev. John Chalmers, principal clerk of the Church of Scotland’s General Assembly, said in a statement. ”It is an entirely different discussion. But the decision does allow congregations and “kirk sessions” — the bodies that oversee individual congregations — to essentially “opt out” of the church’s traditional marriage view by calling upon ministers who are in gay unions, if they so choose. “In some ways we crossed the Rubicon last year when it was agreed that kirk sessions could call someone in a civil partnership and for many people what today was about was simply tidying up and making the law of the church consistent with Scots law,” Chalmers said. The Church of Scotland will produce a document on the theology of marriage next year — a move that will put the issues of matrimony and sexuality up for a wider discussion. – Follow the author of this story on Twitter and Facebook: Follow @BillyHallowell Read more stories from TheBlaze ‘Really, Hershey?’ Visitors Have Mixed Reactions After Hersheypark Announces It Will Allow Guests to Use Bathrooms According to Gender Identity See What’s Happened to Target’s Stock in the Past Month Amid Transgender Bathroom Uproar Clinton Calls Trump’s Pro-Gun Policies ‘Not Just Way Out There,’ but ‘Dangerous’ Parents Find Horrific Injuries on 1-Year-Old Son — And They’re Stunned When They Learn Why Charges Are Being Dropped Elderly Book End-of-Life Talks Once Labeled ‘Death Panels’ Source

CBS Local Teen dies hours after attending prom in St. Paul Chron.com MAPLEWOOD, Minn. (AP) — Police are investigating the death of a North St. Paul high school student who died hours after attending her prom. Eighteen-year-old Anna Jaskulka became unresponsive Saturday night at her Maplewood home shortly after her ... North St. Paul teen found unresponsive on prom nightMinneapolis Star Tribune North St. Paul high school student found dead afteTwinCities.com-Pioneer Press Police: Teen Dies After North St. Paul High School PromCBS Local KSTP.com all 6 news articles » Google

NBCSports.com Erik Kramer doing well, nine months after suicide attempt NBCSports.com Nine months ago, former Lions and Bears quarterback Erik Kramer bought a gun, checked into a hotel room and shot himself in the head. The bullet passed through his chin, his tongue, his sinus cavity and the top of his head. Kramer, who had been ... Former NFL QB Erik Kramer feeling good 9 months after suicide attemptFOXSports.com Ex-NFL quarterback describes life after his failed suicide attempt in 2015CBSSports.com Former NFL QB Erik Kramer talks about suicide attemptUPI.com all 12 news articles » Google

Reuters Fire at Thai school for poor girls kills 17 Reuters WIANG PA PAO DISTRICT, Chiang Rai, Thailand Fire swept through a dormitory at a school for girls from poor hill-tribe families in Thailand, killing at least 17 and injuring five, police said on Monday. The fire broke out late on Sunday as the girls ... and more » Source

NBCSports.com J.J. Watt has a logo now, because that guy could use some attention NBCSports.com Texans defensive end J.J. Watt deserves plenty of attention for his play on the field. But on the scant possibility you're not familiar with his work, he now has a handy marketing tool to point you toward him. According to Darren Rovell of ESPN.com ... Hunt Greatness: JJ Watt on training, smoothies and first signature shoeSports Illustrated LOOK: J.J. Watt unveils his own personal logoCBSSports.com Breaking Down JJ Watt's “Hunt Greatness” CommercialCBS Local FOXSports.com -Chron.com -Bleacher Report -Sporting News all 34 news articles » Google