Los Angeles lawyer Ray Boucher sued the LA Archidocese on behalf of 500 plaintiffs and now he has revealed that 200 more priests suspected of committing sexual abuse are likely being hidden by the church in California.

According to MSNBC the location of those priests have not been revealed because they have not been convicted of sex abuse. Because no convictions were made laws pertaining to identifying the location of pedophiles doesn’t apply to them.

Boucher says of that situation:

“Many, if not all, of these priests have admitted to sexual abuse. They live within a mile of 1,500 playgrounds, schools and daycare centers.”

After settling Bouchers lawsuit for $600 million in 2007 the L.A. Archdiocese refused to accept any wrongdoing on behalf of its pedophile priests.

The lawyer says the church has now allowed many of their accused priests to retire or hide out until the statue of limitations runs out on their crimes which would make it impossible to file lawsuits against the church.

“By enabling these priests to be hidden for so many years, the church protected them from being prosecuted,” said Boucher.

Officials for the church claim the right to privacy since the priests have not been convicted of crimes, a California judge has called that statement out, ordering that files for many of those priests be revealed in the coming weeks.

Do you think the church needs to reveal the location of accused priests so lawsuits can be brought against them by victims who have been waiting for their day in court?

L.A. Lawyer: 200 Sexual Abuse Predatory Priests Are Hiding In California is a post from: The Inquisitr

L.A. Dodgers first baseman James Loney smashed into several cars on an L.A. freeway last November and now the recently released 911 tape reveals that he was passed out behind the wheel and then tried to flee after hitting the first vehicle.

Loney was driving his Maserati down the highway when a driver called 911 and described the scene that was unfolding, the caller said of the incident that Loney was  ”‘completely passed out in the front seat.” She goes on to say that after smashing into several cars he woke up and then tried to take off:

 ”Oh my god! Oh my god! He tried to leave the scene … He woke up, and he slammed on the gas and took off across all the lanes on the freeway.”

The caller then reveals that he quickly smashed into another car and ended up on the other side of the highway where he broke an anxle on his Maserati.

Police arrived on the scene where they handcuffed Loney and took him to a nearby hospital for evaluation. Loney was arrested on suspicion and a blood sample revealed no drugs in his system.

The L.A. City Attorney eventually rejected the case for prosecution because of a lack of evidence.

Do you think Loney should have been tried given his attempt to flee the scene and then damaging more vehicles in the process?

L.A. Dodgers First Baseman James Loney Fell Asleep At Wheel Before Freeway Accident [911 Call] is a post from: The Inquisitr

If you plan to travel into the United States from another country you might want to think twice before you tweet jokes about destroying American. That’s the lesson that was learned this week by Leigh Van Bryan.

The 26-year-old Brit tweeted:

“Free this week, for quick gossip/prep before I go and destroy America.”

After landing in Los Angeles Leigh was questioned by Homeland Security and explained that “destroy” is slang for partying but officials didn’t buy that explanation and sent them packing.

In another Tweet Van Bryan and his companion Emily Bunting were apparently going to find the body of Marilyn Monroe, in quoting a line from Family Guy he wrote:

“3 weeks today, we’re totally in LA p****** people off on Hollywood Blvd and diggin’ Marilyn Monroe up!”

In what was a direct joke from a cartoon officials still didn’t believe him and then searched through his luggage for shovels and spades while the Brits were handcuffed for five hours and interrogated.

After the interrogation they were supervised by guards for 12 hours before their passports were confiscated and they were sent back to Europe.

If they were deported from the United States for a family guy joke posted on Twitter I wonder how the cartoons creator Seth MacFarlane manages to travel anywhere in the world. Perhaps Homeland Security will deport him to a foreign country next.

Do you think Homeland Security went to far in the questioning and deportation of two British citizens who were obviously just telling a few Twitter jokes?

Two Brits Detained In US, Sent Home Over Twitter Jokes is a post from: The Inquisitr

Baseball Hall of Famer Gary Carter has developed new brain tumors, according to his daughter’s announcement on her website Thursday.

“I write these words with tears because I am so sad for my dad,” Kimmy Carter Bloemers wrote.

Carter was diagnosed last year with a brain tumor and has been undergoing treatment. A recent MRI revealed more tumor growths, Bloemers said. She further detailed what had been a difficult week for her father; Carter tore his rotator cuff after a fall in the hallway of his doctor’s office, and underwent surgery on an open gum wound.

“He had to get shots to numb the area so they could remove a small sharp bone and shave down what had been bothering dad for quite a while. Thankfully, that area in his mouth has been starting to feel better,” Bloemers wrote.

The blog ends with details of Carter’s worsened condition:

“Yesterday, we were waiting in anticipation for dad’s MRI results (since they were being sent to Duke) but were told they would be in today…..dad had a difficult day and he had to rest.

“Just a few moments ago, my mom received a phone call from Dr. V at Duke. I wish I could say that the results were good…

“Dr. V told my mom that there are now several new spots/tumors on my dad’s brain. I write these words with tears because I am so sad for my dad. Dr. Jimmy Harris will be coming to my parent’s house this evening to talk to the family about the next step. I will continue to keep you all updated. Love to everyone and thank you for the prayers.”

Gary Carter Developing New Brain Tumors, According to Daughter is a post from: The Inquisitr

LOS ANGELES – Christian Gerhartsreiter, infamous con-man best known for playing a member of the prominent Rockefeller family in real life, is now facing murder charges over two decades old.

Some background on Gerhartsreiter – a German immigrant, he invented “Clark Rockefeller”, claiming a stake in the Rockefeller dynasty, and a potential inheritor to their vast wealth. A world-class impostor, he has duped people into believing he was a physicist, an art collector, a ship captain and a financial adviser who renegotiated debt for small countries. His wife, (herself wealthy) was completely unaware of his identity. Famous now, Gerhartstreiter got everything but a TV movie for his long career or lying. Oh wait, he got that too.

He’s entering court Wednesday to stare down murder charges. Specifically, his alleged role in the death of his former landlady’s son 26 years ago (while he was living in California as… well, someone else).

It’s a cold case, and those are tough to prove after so much time has gone by. The prosecution is building its case around three bags of human bones found during a pool excavation in San Marino back in 1994. After extensive testing, they were linked to John Sohus, 27, a computer engineer who disappeared in 1985. They have about 40 witnesses ready to take the stand, and most of them are forensic experts. Evidence has deteriorated, but forensic science has advanced enough to hopefully make up the difference. Right now, the prosecution is primarily going for probable cause, and thus far, motive is vague.

Sohus’ wife disappeared too, so the prosecution might try to paint it as a crime of passion, with Gerhartstreiter playing the jilted “other man”, despite the fact that her disappearance/possible death can’t be tied to the con man at this time.

One thing is for sure, on Wednesday, in court, Gerhartstreiter will be forced to play his most difficult role – himself.

What say you? Guilty or not guilty?

Infamous Rockefeller Imposter Awaiting Murder Charges is a post from: The Inquisitr

Pornographers shooting movies in Los Angeles are now required by law to have all male performers wear condoms during filming.

City Council members voted 9-1 to approve the ordinance which will go into effect 90 days from Tuesday. Under the cities plans a film permit fee will then be used to fund surprise inspections on porn shoots to ensure compliance.

While California occupational health authorities have had a similar rule in effect for some time it has never been fully enforced.

Speaking to Reuters the chief of a porn industry trade group complained:

“Clearly, this is about the government overreaching and intruding into consenting adults’ decisions.” That Chief adds, “They are taking something they know nothing about and imposing their morality on our industry.”

In the meantime the AIDS Healthcare Foundation has applauded the measure which it fought to have enacted into law for years. The agency believes that changes will be made since receiving porn permits in other towns outside of California have been hard to come by. Even in parts of Las Vegas where prostitution has been legalized the use of condoms is a requirement for sex workers.

The Aids organization promises to “follow them wherever they go” in referring to the pornographers who may flee Los Angeles and head for no condom required areas throughout the United States, that is if other cities will have them.

Do you believe that the Los Angeles city council has overstepped its bounds in forcing pornographers to make performers wear condoms while filming?

Los Angeles Passes Porn Condoms Act After Years Of Debate is a post from: The Inquisitr

Elton John and Madonna have had an ongoing  feud for years and now John’s husband David Furnish has helped stoke the flames of that hatred by calling Madonna for beating Elton in the best song category for “Masterpiece” at this years Golden Globes.

Writing on Facebook Furnish said:  ”Madonna. Best song???? F**k off!!!”

Furnish then continued:

“Madonna winning Best Original Song truly shows how these awards have nothing to do with merit. Her acceptance speech was embarrassing in it’s narcissism. And her criticism of Gaga shows how desperate she really is.”

It wasn’t just Furnish who was pissed at the choice in winner, John looked outright pissed as cameras showed him during the speech.  Watch below:

Did you notice how the audience seemed bored out of their minds during what I agree was a rather narcissistic acceptance speech.

The mean words for Madonna started on the red carpet when Elton John said of her song that she, ”hasn’t got a f***ing chance” of winning.”

Madonna then fired back about John wearing a dress when she noted “May the best man win.”

After the show Madonna did say she wanted to speak to Elton John:

“He’s been known to get mad at me so I don’t know,” she continued. “He’s brilliant and I adore him so he’ll win another award. I don’t feel bad!”

Based on crowd reaction the wrong singer won this time around. Do you think Madonna deserved to win for Masterpiece or were better songs overlooked?

Elton John’s Husband David Furnish Calls Madonna A “Narcissist” is a post from: The Inquisitr

Charming young singers and movie stars churned out of the Disney conglomerate attract a lot of attention, a lot of dollars, and a lot of media scrutiny. Some give in to scandal, others quietly fade away, whilst a shining few catapult to untold personal success. One thing that they all have in common? The occasional incredibly creepy fan.

Selena Gomez has one that keeps making all the rounds in the press. First, he said he’s been having conversations with God about killing the young starlet. Now he’s more like a reluctant holy warrior, saying that Gomez needs his protection. Or rather, protection from him.

Thomas Brodnicki, the stalker-in-question, was charged with felony stalking, but had those charges dropped last month. Gomez, who has been seeking a permanent restraining order against him, now has a new ally in the fight against Thomas Brodnicki. Thomas Brodnicki.

The judge has refused the restraining order, at least until Brodnicki could appear in court to give an account for himself. But Brodnicki filed a declaration telling the judge that he didn’t want to appear in court, and that the judge should nevertheless grant Gomez’s request for the restraining order, saying:

“I believe that a restraining order should be issued against me to prevent me from trying to contact Selena Gomez.”

He continued, saying:

“I do not wish to object to the restraining order against me because I know it is the only thing that will make me stay away from Selena.”

Perhaps it’s all for the best, and confessing this is Brodnicki’s one-and-only shot at redemption. In another declaration, filed by LAPD Detective Jose Viramontes, the detective stated that when he picked up Brodnicki on a psychiatric hold last month that:

“He told me that he had over fifty conversations with God a day, about killing Ms. Gomez.”

This has late night IFC appeal to it.

What do you think? Have we seen/heard the last of Thomas Brodnicki? Is Selena Gomez safe from him?

Selena Gomez’ Obsessed Fan Admits He’s A Danger To The Starlet is a post from: The Inquisitr

LOS ANGELES, California -Pope Benny has accepted a rare early resignation from a Los Angeles bishop who recently admitted to being the proud papa of two teenagers.

No, this is not The Onion. 60-year-old Los Angeles Auxiliary Bishop Gabino Zavala tendered his resignation with the Catholic Church today under a code of canon law that lets bishops step down before the usual retirement age of 75 due to sickness or any other reason that may make them unfit for office – in this case, a violation of the Roman Catholic requirement of priesthood celibacy.

Los Angeles Archbishop Jose Gomez was the whistleblower, saying that Zavala had told him last month that he was the father of two teenagers who lived in a different state with their mother. Not long after, Zavala gave his notice.

The archdiocese is playing fair, offering spiritual and financial help (for college) to the teenagers, according to Gomez’s letter posted to the blog of the Catholic News Service of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

California Bishop Resigns… Because He Has Two Kids is a post from: The Inquisitr

Police are currently attempting to hunt down and arrest a man who shot a Los Angeles police officer near the 210 Freeway on Wednesday and then fled the scene of the crime.

The victim, a Parole Agent, was shot near the Foothill Boulevard and the 210 Freeway area. The officer was wounded and emergency crews on the scene were attending to him and say his injuries do not appear to be life threatening.

The shooting reportedly occurred when shooting occurred when a parole task force showed up to search the parolee’s living quarters. What may have been found in those quarters has not yet been revealed by investigating officers.

People in the area are being warned to stay away from the location of the crime where the suspect is believed to have barricaded himself while refusing to surrender to officers.

According to reports the man is heavily armed and possible unstable. He is a white male with blond hair and a bear, he is also wearing a purple shirt and black pants.

The 210 Freeway between Sunland and Foothill Boulevards was shut down in both directions immediately following the shooting.

Police Officer Shooting In Los Angeles Closes Down Highway is a post from: The Inquisitr

Police are looking for any clues as to who is setting the fires, some of which have spread to nearby homes and apartments.  Luckily, no one has been injured yet in the fires.

Police are currently offering a reward of $35,000 for any information leading to the arrest of the arsonist, who has the entire city on edge.  Police are currently pouring through thousands of leads and reviewing thousands of video camera tapes to help determine who could be responsible.

Local residents are trying to make sense of the fires and trying to figure out if there is anyway they can protect their own vehicles.  Some resident who observed the burning cars said it looked like the arsonist was looking for cars that were parked close together so as to cause maximum damage to surrounding cars.

Police are not as yet willing to concede that it is just one serial arsonist.  There are some theories that this could be a group or even a series of copycats.

The only announcement that police have made is that they are interested in talking to a man who drives a mid 1990′s Lexus, but offered to further details or descriptions.

Police have not yet gotten an estimate for the monetary value of the fires.

Serial Arsonist Terrorizes Los Angeles, More Cars Torched is a post from: The Inquisitr

Ex Party Girl Lindsay Lohan reportedly was made several highly lucrative offers to host New Year’s Eve shows on several networks.  In a sign of the changing times, Lindsay supposedly turned them all down in order to help rehab her party hard image.

TMZ reported that the troubles star is making great progress with the judge who is overseeing her probation.  She has been showing up on time to community service, staying clean and sober and keeping a low profile.  She desperately wants to keep the judge happy so she decided to stay home on New Year’s Eve.

The gossip site also reported that Lindsay Lohan is giving up a six figure payday to avoid the New Year’s Eve circuit.  She has stated publicly that she is going to spend the evening home with friends and possibly go out to dinner before midnight.

In December the judge praised Lindsay for her great progress and publicly encouraged her to keep up the good work.  Lindsay is on probation for a 2007 DUI and in a seperate case she is on parole for stealing a necklace.

It seems as if the former Disney star is really turning a page on her troubled past.  Six months ago people were writing her celebrity obituary, and now it seems as if she is on the road back to superstardom.   It seems as if the Playboy shoot, in which Lohan did a full nude shoot in the likeness of Marilyn Monroe, really signalled a turn up from bottom.  Hugh Hefner really does hold salvation for some Hollywood starlets.

She is due to appear in court Jan. 17 for a probation progress report.

Do you think Lindsay Lohan has turned a corner in her progress?

Lindsay Lohan Turns Down New Years Eve Hosting Offers, Wants to Reform Image is a post from: The Inquisitr

LOS ANGELES, CA – Occupy LA protesters have cost the city of Los Angeles an estimated $2.35 million since they took to the cities streets.

According to the Los Angeles Times much of that money has been spent paying police officers overtime, which in turn helps the local economy.

The high cost of watching over the protesters does not include some other costs such as repairing the lawn where protesters have been camping for two-months along with a vandalized fountain outside City Hall.

In the spending report time-and-a-half was paid to regular force and general services police who patrol city parks, an amount equal to approximately $1.5 million.

City officials expect that at least $1.7 million will be added to the cities expected $72 million debt while the rest will be covered by standard operating costs.

While that number may seem high the Michael Jackson single-day memorial service at the Staples Center in Los Angeles in 2009 cost the city $3.2 million for an event that didn’t even last the entire day.

In the meantime the city attorney has suggested that protesters could be sued to recover the cost of damages caused by demonstrators at the City Hall fountain incident.

In response to the attorney’s suggestion of a lawsuit one spokesman for Occupy LA called the cities estimated figures “outrageous” and accused the city of using protesters as scape goats for the cities own operating expense problems.

As Carlos Marroquin told the LA Times: 

“This was a peaceful movement,” and “They’re the ones who decided to use that amount of police.”

Do you think the city went overboard by putting 1,400 police officers on duty for a peaceful protest?

[Images via Gerry Boughan / Shutterstock.com]

Occupy LA Is Costing City Taxpayers Less Than Michael Jackson Memorial is a post from: The Inquisitr

Regardless of changing his role, his position, even his handle, Metta World Peace (formerly and more widely-known as Ron Artest) is still struggling with the same problems that haunted him under his Christian-name.

In the man’s own words:

“I think I’m 100%. I feel awesome. I feel really good. We obviously lost. But as far as grading how I feel? I feel awesome.”

Despite his upbeat attitude and can-do thinking, the part that really catches everyone’s attention in that quote should be that bit about losing.

Indeed, his performance in the Lakers/Clippers preseason game on Monday testifies as much. Though not a dramatic loss, (114 Clippers, 95 Lakers) World Peace was still playing like Ron Artest. Here’s a quick rundown: World Peace went zero for eight from the field, including zero for five from three-point range. While every other bench player on the team shot over 50%, well… let’s just say World Peace’s self-enthusiasm might be a little misplaced. His overall playing seemed sluggish. So maybe we should say that his self-enthusiasm borders on comical.

However, Lakers Coach Mike Brown seems to believe in World Peace’s potential, despite benching him. He asked everyone to be patient and just give the player-formerly-known-as-Artest a chance:

“He can play basketball the right way whether he comes off the bench or starts. I thought he had a couple of good looks. He rushed his shot a couple of times. One of his threes kind of went in and came out. I just wanted to keep trying to get him touches if we could so he could eventually get into a little bit of a rhythm.”

Fair enough, Brown. It is still the preseason. I will withhold criticism for now.

Do you think all this positive thinking will pay off? Will World Peace/Artest’s reinvention pay dividends?

Metta World Peace Fights Bench Threats is a post from: The Inquisitr

It seems like just about everyone with a smartphone is addicted to Words with Friends, and actor Alec Baldwin is no exception to that. He’s apparently so addicted, in fact, that he wouldn’t turn his phone off while on board an American Airlines flight from Los Angeles and, as a result, Baldwin was removed from the flight.

Baldwin’s involuntary removal from the flight was documented on Twitter, first by technology firm Activate founder Michael J. Wolf. He wrote in a tweet: “On an AA flight at LAX. Alec Baldwin removed from the plane. We had to go back to the gate. Terrible that everyone had to wait.”

Baldwin made his Twitter followers aware of the situation as well, saying: “Flight attendant on American reamed me out 4 playing WORDS W FRIENDS while we sat at the gate, not moving,”

According to Baldwin’s rep, the actor was able to get on another flight shortly after, but Baldwin wasn’t content to leave it with that. He wrote in another tweet:

“#theresalwaysunited Last flight w American. Where retired Catholic school gym teachers from the 1950′s find jobs as flight attendants.”

Stay classy, Alec.

via CNN

[Image credit: Shutterstock]

Alec Baldwin kicked off American Airlines flight for playing Words with Friends is a post from: The Inquisitr

Members of the Occupy Los Angeles movement on Monday said they would file a federal injunction in the hopes of stopping the movements eviction from a patch of grass located directly outside of Los Angeles City Hall.

In response to the groups actions the city of Los Angeles said they will file three declaration that oppose Occupy’s restraining order.

According to Occupy LA their complaint will focus on various other exceptions city leaders have made to an anti-camping provision. For example the city once allowed 500 “Twilight” fans to camp out for ”for several days to be first in line for the midnight showing of the first ‘Twilight’ sequel.”

Leaders of the cities movement also say City Council members already passed a resolution to approve the camp-out and that aides to Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa personally told Occupy protesters that they were welcomed to stay on the patch of land.

In the meantime Villaraigosa said in an interview with KTLA-TV:

“We will enforce the park closure,” and “We thought talking through this was the best way to proceed and we’ve done that. But it’s become crystal clear … that it wasn’t sustainable to be there indefinitely.”

However Villaraigosa added:

“My hope is that we will be able to conclude this chapter peacefully.”

Do you think the protesters for Occupy Los Angeles should move on their way or stand up for their rights to protest outside of City Hall given other camping rights that have been passed for other events?

Occupy LA Prepares To File Legal Complaint, Hopes To Avoid Eviction is a post from: The Inquisitr

While taking in the sun and surf of both Miami and Los Angeles might make living in those areas worth the overcrowding and high cost of living for many residents it can also be hard to etch out a decent paying job. A recent Indeed.com study has found that those two cities are the worst in America for finding work.

The job search engine compared federal unemployment records with their own job listings to determine that in Miami there is generally four job seekers for every single job listing posted. Meanwhile in Los Angeles numbers aren’t much better with 3.48 people competing for every single job posted on the website.

When you take into consideration that many of the jobs posted are from life insurance and work at home company’s that are typically avoided by many job seekers the number of positions available per person sinks even lower.

Indeed.com isn’t the first job site to perform similar analysis, SimplyHired also found Miami to be the worst destination to find a job however they found that their were eight unemployed people for each job listed on their website.

Rounding out the top five worst cities for finding a job were Riverside, California (3.25), Las Vegas, Nevada (3.1) and Detroit, Michigan (2.75).

It should be noted that the study is only based on the number of jobs posted compared to population and job seekers, for example Detroit has far less people searching for jobs and far less jobs available. In other words Miami has a more robust economy but also has far more people actually seeking employment based on what’s available.

Do any of these numbers surprise you? Which city do you think has a good job to job seeker rate?

[Image via ShutterStock.com]

Worst Job Hunting Cities In American Revealed is a post from: The Inquisitr

The 30-year-old mysterious death of Natalie Wood has been reopened by Los Angeles County homicide detectives.

The former star drowned in 1981 after a night of drinking and drugs aboard a yacht with her husband Robert Wagner and movie star Christopher Walken.

Agents have decided to reopen the case after an undisclosed source came forward with new information. According to the Los Angeles Times officials plan to interview the yacht’s captain Dennis Davern.

Gawker reports that:

A [new] witness on a nearby boat recalled hearing a woman’s cries for help around midnight that lasted for 15 minutes. “Someone else said, ‘Take it easy. We’ll be over to get you,’” she said. “It was laid back…There was no urgency or immediacy in their shouts.”

In the captain’s book Goodbye Natalie, Goodbye Splendour, Davern tells of a night filled with drinking and Quaaludes. He says an argument erupted between Robert Wagner and Walken, followed by a shouting match between Wood and Wagner in their private cabin.

Later in the night Davern says he was told that Natalie Wood was missing and was then told to avoid calling the Coast Guard.

Investigators later closed the case, determining that Wood had fell into the sea while attempting to board the yacht’s dingy.

Learning of the reopened investigation Wagner issued a public statement in which he said he welcomes a new investigation. In the meantime officials are remaining tight lipped about their new investigation, only releasing the following statement:

“Recently sheriff’s homicide investigators were contacted by persons who stated they had additional information about the Natalie Wood Wagner drowning. Due to the additional information, Sheriff’s homicide bureau has decided to take another look at the case.”

Do you think this case can still be solved 30-years after it occurred?

Natalie Wood Investigation Reopened 30-Years Later is a post from: The Inquisitr

Ford pulled back on the curtains on the 2013 Ford Mustang lineup at the Los Angeles Auto Show on Tuesday night, revealing tweaks in the design across and, for most models, added horses under the hood.

The most dramatic increase among the 2013 Ford Mustang lineup goes to the Shelby GT500, which sees about 100 extra horsepower added over last year’s model. Ford claims that the beastly supercharged 5.8 liter V8, with 650 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft of torque, can carry the GT500 to a top speed of 200-mph.

To handle all of that added power, Ford has tweaked just about everything in the Shelby GT500 to make it, well, manageable. One key addition to the 2013 Shelby GT500 is launch control, which should help you get the car off the line without spinning off into grass.

While the 2013 Ford Mustang V6 won’t be seeing any extra horsepower, it will at least be receiving a few cosmetic tweaks, including a new LED lighting system to, as Ford put it, give it a more “high-tech look”.

The Ford Mustang GT V8 will be seeing a few extra horsepower added. Ford says that the 2013 Ford Mustang GT will have 8 extra horsepower over last year’s model, bringing it up to a total of 420 horsepower.

via Yahoo Auto

2013 Ford Mustang models revealed at Los Angeles Auto Show is a post from: The Inquisitr

Neil Patrick Harris and partner David Burtka were among several notable gay, lesbian and transgender people honored last night at the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center’s 40th Anniversary Gala.

Chaz Bono also received honors, and actor David Arquette spoke touchingly about his family’s love and support for Arquette sibling Alexis. Harris and Burtka were lauded by Glee‘s Jane Lynch, who spoke at length about the impact of the young gay family on gay rights in America today. Lynch effused:

“As a couple they are beyond extraordinary and created the most stunning gay American family portrait. Now, it doesn’t hurt that the babies are cuter than Bradjelinas… To much of the world they are a remarkable family and they stand as a role model for young people. This is particularly important for kids out there who fear for their own futures because of their own sexual orientation… Thank you David and Neil for putting a beautiful face on America’s notion of what a gay family looks like.”

Harris was lighthearted in his comments, as usual, joking:

“We are so honored to be here on the 40th anniversary of this incredible and important institution. It’s hard to believe that it’s been 40 years since The Center first invented gays and lesbians. And we are so happy that they did.”

Burtka added, more somberly:

“More to the point, we are extraordinarily grateful that we are able to stand here today as a same-sex couple with children and not feel like we are some kind of freak show or some kind of government experiment gone awry.”

Earlier, Harris had joked:

“I just hope we can keep our speech short. I don’t know how long the valet attendants can entertain the babies without a major meltdown.”

The couple received the Rand Schrader Distinguished Achievement Award at the gala.

Neil Patrick Harris, Partner Honored at Gay Gala is a post from: The Inquisitr