Just when you thought that the political race was getting sorta, kinda nutty, then I see this video that sent me reeling in the big chair after my brief, but well needed Easter/Spring break out. I had noticed some banter and chatter in local groups about Sally Kern and I though I'd go a looking for info on this "Anita Bryant" for the 21st Century. This video was produced by the Victory fund in response to the hate filled rhetioric of Kern which bullet points Eureka Springs, Arkansas as a "ground zero," focal point of the Gay Agenda . This OK legislator has literally dug her heels in and is non apologetic about her stance including the bombastic belief that "Homosexuality is a bigger threat to the U.S. than terrorism." Mrs. Kern goes further stating that, “I will not apologize. I did not say anything false. I did not say anything malicious or hateful,” Kern said. “They are trying to vilify me. That is their tactics.” Undeterred and determined local GLBTQ activist as well as supporters have come out the box on Kerns remarks including an estimated 30,000 e-mails. According to a news story in the Joplin Globe, spokespersons for gay and lesbian groups demanded that Kern apologize while calling on the Legislature to adopt hate crimes legislation that would enhance penalties for crimes directed at gays and lesbians.
“Hateful speech leads to hate crimes,” said Rob Howard, executive director of the Cimarron Alliance Foundation in Oklahoma City. Howard said there were more than 7,700 hate crimes in the nation in 2006, including 79 in Oklahoma.
Howard and other speakers questioned how Kern can take an oath to uphold the state Constitution but then condemn a segment of the state’s population.
“Freedom of speech does not belong to Representative Kern alone,” said Howard, adding that gay and lesbian groups have a “moral imperative” to speak out against her remarks.
“If we do not condemn hate speech from an elected public official, we in effect endorse it,” said the Rev. Robin Meyers, pastor of the Mayflower United Church of Christ in Oklahoma City. “This represents the state of Oklahoma in a way that is deeply offensive.” O.K. Arkansas rainbow community you'd better check your radar screens because these individuals are serious....really serious...and that's no joke. Heads UP!
Hold the Line: The local chapter of the Stonewall Democrats will participate in a national conference call, 7 p.m. Thursday 3.27.08 featuring Melissa Etheridge for campaign Obama and Chelsea Clinton for Team Clinton. The event will concluded their monthly meeting at Democratic HQ in downtown Little Rock. For more info hit their website: www.stonewallarkansas.com
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