The president of a group supporting gay and lesbian rights said Thursday she is backing off calling for Rep. Sally Kern to resign for her anti-gay remarks after the Oklahoma City lawmaker met with her and others.
Advertisement
The Rev. Loyce Newton-Edwards, president of the Oklahoma City chapter of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, said she and two othersmet for nearly 40 minutes Thursday in the lawmaker's state Capitol office.
"We think today was a really, really important step,” she said. "She was very cordial. It was a very productive conversation, no shouting, no name calling.”
Kern said, "This is what democracy is all about, free exchange of ideas.”
She hasn't given any speeches since excerpts of her speech were posted on the YouTube Internet site, but she said she would talk again if asked about the strategy that backers of gay rights are using to defeat conservatives.
Kern didn't apologize for comments she made during a speech in January to an Oklahoma City Republican club, Newton-Edwards said. At that meeting Kern called homosexuality "the biggest threat our nation has, even more so than terrorism or Islam.”
"We didn't even ask her to,” Newton-Edwards said. "What we said to her was that we were coming in a spirit of healing and reconciliation and we just wanted to talk and speak heart-to-heart.”
Kern's House of Representatives district has the largest number of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender constituents in the state, according to a study by the Williams Institute at the University of California-Los Angeles, Newton-Edwards said.
"I have not heard them ask her to resign, I have not heard the people of her district ask her to resign,” Newton-Edwards said. "So what I'm willing to do is continue to work with her. If she's willing to possibly have some meetings where we have dialogue and discussion about these issues, I think that is productive.
Newton-Edwards, who does not live in Kern's district, said she wants to continue a dialogue with the lawmaker.
Kern, a Republican, called her session with Newton-Edwards and others "a nice meeting.”
"They didn't change my mind and I didn't change theirs,” she said. "They were very cordial and I was, too. They expressed their viewpoints and I expressed mine.
During a rally last week at the Capitol, Newton-Edwards and others called upon Kern to apologize and to meet with gays and Muslims in her district.
Newton-Edwards, associate pastor of the Open Arms United Church of Christ, said she invited Kern to attend a meeting of the Oklahoma City chapter of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. Kern said she was unsure if that could be arranged.
"You know how many meetings we (in the Legislature) have to go to already,” she said. "I didn't promise them that I would go.”
Newton-Edwards said Kern expressed her concerns about homosexuality, but that she had no problem with gays holding elected office. "She didn't back away at all from her views,” said Newton-Edwards.
Among the others in the meeting were the Rev. Kathy McCallie, pastor of the Church of the Open Arms, and the Rev. Jim Shields, a retired United Methodist Church minister who lives in Kern's district.
Thank you for joining our conversations on NewsOK.com. We encourage your discussions but ask that you stay within the bounds of our terms and conditions. Please help us by reporting comments that violate these guidelines. To review our rules of engagement, go to Commenting and posting policy.
Editor's note: It is not our intent to offer comments on crime or fatality stories.
Leave a comment.
Log in below or sign up (it's free).
Driving gays and Mexicans out of the state IS the idea, Darren. There was even a billboard on I-35 last year boldly declaring it was time to take the country back, portraying Mexicans as invasive terrorists themselves. People even on these forums have said that they want gays and Mexicans out of Oklahoma, then the RIGHT kind of people will want to live here. What kind of people would that be, do you suppose? Racist, bigoted, KKK, Nazis? All under the guise of "loving Christians" of course.
"She is a simple person with a simple mind and,like most christians,she can not grasp science."
Oh, man...see, guys, THIS is what you're doing to the church with your hate and bigotry! Even as great Christian leaders come from the gay community, and even as many other Christians speak out against homophobia, every hateful slur from someone like Sally Kern drives people AWAY from the church. Your hate and bigotry are harming Christianity. Sally Kern is doing tremendous damage to the church.
What part of "Love your neighbor" does that hateful, ugly attitude represent, please?
"Everything she said is true"
Lie. She said virtually NOTHING that is not absolutely, proven lies. What little she said that WAS true, that gays have a very high suicide rate, she is part of the REASON for that horrific fact.
"and the extremist hateful attitudes of many in the homosexual community"
That's hysterical. She's pushing lies that destroy lives, and those fighting against them, fighting against bigotry and discrimination, are "hateful"?
Extremist?
Hilarious.
"have proven she's right."
Try again. Let's see some actual scientific evidence that people choose to be gay. Go ahead, we'll wait...since there's a MOUNTAIN of proof that it ISN'T chosen, you should have no problem if you look at legitimate sources realizing you're wrong and admitting such.
But then Sally Kern proves daily how massively arrogant the homophobic community is.
"Everyone I know that lives in her district (and that's a lot) plan to vote for her next time around too."
Bigots tend to hang out with other bigots. If you really think EVERYONE in her district supports this homophobe, you're delusional.
"Oklahoma needs to get back to its healthy founding roots and get rid of this liberalized anything goes attitude."
Tell me, seriously, do you REALLY think that if every single drop of hate you feel for gays were put into the law books that a SINGLE gay person would magically turn straight? Can you really be that ignorant?
Surely these people know that this has NOTHING to do with changing anyone, and everything to do with sick, Nazi attempts to just take the people they don't like and drive them out of our state.
Then again, a racist law is driving lots of Hispanics from the state, maybe they can drive all the gays out, too? Maybe that's the idea? Sick, sick, sick.
Lets all be Gay for a day. Everyone who suggests that being gay is choice of freewill ...please go and be gay for a day, test out your claim. Work on the gay agenda. Gays are not wired wrong and God does not make mistakes. If everyone would quit trying to correct God's handy work we would have peace not only among ourselves but throughout the world.
"the extremist hateful attitudes of many in the heterosexual community have proven she's right."...T.A. I fixed a word in your post to make it a little more accurate...No need to thank me
I'm glad she didn't apologize. Everything she said is true and the extremist hateful attitudes of many in the homosexual community have proven she's right. Everyone I know that lives in her district (and that's a lot) plan to vote for her next time around too. Oklahoma needs to get back to its healthy founding roots and get rid of this liberalized anything goes attitude.
With the exceptions of a few meaning Rufus & Raymond & a few more for the most part you people are just plain disgusting. Do everyone a favor & just stay in the closet. I like the army's policy don't ask & don't tell.
I believe that the reasons for homosexuality can be as diverse as there are types of heterosexuals (i.e. from conservative to porn-loving). Many may have a hormonal problem, miswiring in the brain, an emotional disorder or a psychological problem. Those that are converted, in my opinion, are probably ones who had emotional or psychological issues with the opposite sex and the help they got helped them resolve this. Those whose preference is physical could claim to be cured but they are probably just bowing to societal pressure to conform. What is sad is number of adults that finally come to the realization in their middle years that they can no longer live the lie, then admit the truth, leaving families heartbroken. Better for everyone if they could just be accepted with no religious prejudice in the first place.
Rufus, thanks for the insight and information on the organized homosexual agenda. The postings attacking Rep. Kern have been too intense, mean, and prompt to be random. The intimidation factor is very apparent; it is full of hate and contempt for anyone speaking up for traditional family values. When fighting immorality, you can expect to be attacked by those wanting to be "worldly" - like the east and west coasts as one post indicated. Keep up the good fight, Rufus. An interesting observation - next election for Rep. Kern will be a test of the strength of the homosexual lobby. I predict she will win big.
Exodus, Love in Action, and other "reparative therapy" organizations do more harm than good. It has been proven to be psychologically damaging. Many former leaders of such programs have apologized for the psychological and emotional damage inflicted upon their subjects. Many former ex-gays have come forward and admitted that they never changed, they just lived a lie. Many continued having same gender sexual contact while living in a hetero marriage, not just hurting themselves but also their spouses and children in the process by lying about who they are. http://www.beyondexgay.com/article/apology
AGAIN, I SAY:
If gay people are expected to live by the laws of this land, then why shouldn't they have a say in making them? And if a gay organization wants to fund candidates, so be it! Don't other candidates receive funding from special interest groups? Duh! I'd like Sally Kern to explain her statement that "not all religions are equal." I'd also like the people of Oklahoma to tell me WHAT Sally Kern has done to HELP Oklahoma. (Most educated people will agree that gay-bashing and attempting to censor books is NOT a good thing.) Has she lowered taxes, lowered gas prices, done anything about the mortgage crisis, helped with unemployment and/or our dwindling economy, eradicated homlessness, hunger and poverty? Aren't there MUCH MORE IMPORTANT issues facing the people of Oklahoma than the supposed "gay agenda?" Shouldn't Sally be addressing the REAL issues instead of bashing gays and the religion of Islam? Seems to me the people of Oklahoma who are paying her salary are wasting their money.
You're still passing judgment without credibility. Sorry, had to put that up since I saw your last comment. Let's discuss again! A great weekend to all!!
They are still living their lives as others want them to, and not how they actually feel. If it makes them happy to make others in their life accept them, more power to them. It is just sad that someone has to be "converted" to be accepted.
Unfortunately, I have to sign off. Joe and others, I would enjoy future discussiong. All I ask is you consider Exodus International a credible and successful program, and be happy for those who are part of the program.
Brainwashing, the application of coercive techniques to change the beliefs or behavior of one or more people, usually for political or religious purposes
So if they say they are truly happy and are free from homosexuality that would not be sad. It's sad that you can't be happy for them. Instead you choose to pass judgement on them and look down on them and calling them sad.
I'm not passing judgement. I was just referring to a successful organization. You were the one who called those who claim to be free from homosexuality as being "brainwashed." That would be considered judgemental, giving a statement without fact.
There are plenty of homosexuals in the world that do not live the "lifestyle", however, they still have a preference for the same sex. They are just living their lives as others want them to. Very sad.
I think most converted homosexuals are becoming straight because they just want to be accepted and not because they have suddenly seen the light. Don't we all just want to be accepted?
Joe, can somebody be a recovering alcoholic? Are they brainwashed? I think you should check out Exodus International for yourself instead of passing judgment.
No, not exactly. I really believe they can overcome the homosexual lifestyle. Many really desire to do so. Check out Exodus International for yourself.
I just re-read my prvious post. I meant to say that Darren believe they are excellent pretenders or out right liars. I chose to believe that they are former homosexuals and have moved on with their lives.
I believe it's possible to be free from homosexuality. Exodus International can help with this. EI is a nonprofit organization that promotes the message of freedom from homosexuality through the power of Jesus Christ. They have more than 150 ministries in over 17 countries. There are multiple testimonies from many who no longer profess to be involved in the homosexual lifestyle.
Rufus has a gay friend? Please I doubt that!! The way you right awful things about them how would any of them consider you a friend? I get my paycheck fom a local hospital that I have worked at since 1979.
I don't know where Darren gets his info but I have several former homosextual friends that would beg to differ with his opinion. Thay are now married with children, so either they are excellent pretenders or out right liars.
Here is the Preface Rufus, which you chose to leave out. Not to mention the bulk of this FICTIONAL ARTICLE.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In 1987, Michael Swift was asked to contribute an editorial piece to GCN, an important gay community magazine, although well to the left of most American gay and lesbian opinion. A decade later this text, printed in the Congressional Record is repeatedly cited, apparently verbatim, by the religious right as evidence of the "Gay Agenda". The video Gay Rights, Special Rights, put out by Lou Sheldon's Traditional Values Coalition cites it with ominous music and picture of children. But when the religious rights cites this text, they always omit, as does the Congressional record, the vital first line, which sets the context for the piece. In other words, every other version of this found on the net is part of the radical right's great lie about gay people. For a discussion of the whole "Gay vs. Religious Right" phenomenon see Chris Bull and John Gallagher: Perfect Enemies: The Religious Right, the Gay Movement, and the Politics of the 1990s, (New York: Crown, 1996)
This essay is an outré, madness, a tragic, cruel fantasy, an eruption of inner rage, on how the oppressed desperately dream of being the oppressor.
Well it's been fun sparring with you guys. Having a billionaire homosexual setting up a PAC to pay people to send e-mails posing a legit citizens is a blatant attempt to corrupt the system. I hope all the good christians band together and fight this evil. As my gay friend (not an activist) says, toodle loo.....
Does Darren from Columbia still come around? I would like to dialogue with him about his remarks on no such thing as a former homosexual. I'm curious to know if he's familiar with Exodus International. Also, I'd be happy to discuss the scripture issues on homosexuality.
Some commentators allege a more radical "homosexual agenda", quoting a satirical article authored by Michael Swift which first appeared in the Gay Community News in February 1987. Originally titled Gay Revolutionary, the article describes a scenario in which homosexual men dominate American society and suppress all things heterosexual.[17] The article was reprinted in Congressional Record without an opening disclaimer in which the author states that the essay is intended as "outré, madness, a tragic, cruel fantasy, an eruption of inner rage, on how the oppressed desperately dream of being the oppressor", suggesting it is a satirical piece of literary hyperbole, and is not intended by its author to be taken literally.[18]
Nonetheless, the essay has been repeatedly cited by Christians and others who describe themselves as socially conservative or philosophically traditional in their world view, as evidence that some (or most) members of the gay community seek to dominate and destroy traditional American family values.[19]
From Wikpedia regarding article Rufus has just cited.
"We shall sodomize your sons....We shall seduce them in your schools, in your dormitories, in your gymnasiums, in your locker rooms...in your youth groups.... Your sons shall become our minions and do our bidding.... They will come to crave and adore us. All laws banning homosexual activity will be revoked. Instead, legislation shall be passed which engenders love between men. Our writers and artists will make love between men fashionable.... We shall raise vast, private armies...to defeat you. The family unit...will be abolished. Perfect boys will be conceived and grown in the genetic laboratory.... All churches who condemn us will be closed. Our only gods are handsome young men. All males who insist on remaining stupidly heterosexual will be tried in homosexual courts of justice and will become invisible men. Tremble, hetero swine, when we appear before you without our masks." Published in 1987 in the Gay Community News..
"I am convinced that the battle for humankind's future must be waged and won in the public school classroom by teachers who correctly view their role as the proselytizers of a new faith.... The classroom must and will become an arena of conflict between the old and the new; the rotting corpse of Christianity, together with all its adjacent evils and misery, and the new faith of Humanism...." This is already being done in Mass for over 10 years. The whole state is being taken over..
the school board in Provincetown, Mass. voted to begin educating preschoolers about homosexual lifestyles, according to an article in theWashington Times. The board also decided in favor of hiring preferences for "sexual minorities," a move that puts Provincetown on the cutting edge of the homosexual agenda. "We are on a trailblazing path," said Susan Fleming, superintendent of Provincetown schools. "We are going to be a change agent." Coming soon, to a school in Oklahoma...
Responding to the person who asked how Kern got elected if her district was made up of the largest gay population in Oklahoma, it didn't suggest Kern's district was made up of the largest number of registered gay voters, or that gays out numbered straights in that district, it just happens to be that more gays live in that district than other districts in the state. (The question might suggest something about who asked it).
Hate Crime Legislation, is intended to provide the element of hate for another human being. A straight person walking down the street, who gets knocked over the head with a steel pipe because he looked gay to the suspect, would be protected by Hate Crime Legislation. Two women who share a home and are straight, are attacked by vandals smashing their car windows and painting graffiti consisting of intending to harass the women because they were gay, when in actuality they are two divorcee's trying to start over in life would be covered by the Hate Crime Legislation. A Gay man shoots a Straight Man, he is not protected from lethal injection, nor would the straight man if he had shot the gay. To prove a Hate Crime the element of hatred would have to be present. It wouldn't only protect gays, blacks, Jews or Muslims. Wait a minute might it be Oklahoma is more fearful of Christians attacking a Muslims shrines with graffiti and such and be held accountable through a Hate Crimes Law? Have you ever stopped to pay attention to the fact that teachers being arrested out of schools are straight, and most of their victims are of opposite sex? Not everyone wants to live by the words in your book called a bible yet you demand them to. If you can choose to be gay, good, lets see you try it. You can't! I do not know one of any advertising campaign that uses kids to attract gays. Because gay men and women are looking to interact with people of their own age, people whose bodies have matured and hold some attraction. Gay Ads have hunky men sitting pool side sipping sassafras, or two women walking across a beach. I have never seen a business use a child to lure gay customers in, that ought to tell you something. All this being said, no person debating here will change their opinion, because they choose to go to places where words are spoken, reinforcing beliefs and telling you to despise anyone who doesn’t fit in to category A. If the bible abusers would preach love, understanding and tolerance, the church offering plates would go empty and everyone would go home. The word of hate, the spirit of hate and the vile of these institutions must live on, for the Almighty--Dollar$ (check local listings for time and channel)
Well Judie, you may like having homosexual lifestyles being taught to pre-schoolers, but most of us are not ready for high school boys making out in public because they have been taught that is "normal"
Rufus, if there is indeed a six part plan, I applaud it and hope it succeeds. Incidentally, the gays aren't the only ones with an agenda. I'm a dedicated liberal Democrat (straight and not socialist) that would love to bring down the the extreme right in our society. And I am a Southern Baptist.
Keep your head up. It isn't easy but I know everyday that is is more than worth it!! We had lots of naysayers. I have had friends tell me we wouldn't last only to see them get divorced. Must be right. Love is love - no matter who you are with.
Wow, S. 35 years! my husband and i have been married since 2005 and I'd love to say that we've never run into people who think they have the right to tell us we are doing something wrong, but sadly, that is not the case. But our love is strong!
No problem Renee. I have the same marriage you have. I'm white and my husband is black. Been together for 35 years. Seen alot of changes, some good, some bad.
When white tourists were being murdered in Miami wandering into majority black neighborhoods, race was hardly mentioned. The savage murder of three-year-old Stephanie Kuhen in Los Angeles where a driver named Tim Stone made a "wrong turn" in a gang-riddled, non-white area. The animals in the area proceeded to run up on the car, block it in, and started shooting. Mr. Stone was shot in the back. The child was killed and her two-year-old brother, Joe, was shot in the foot. Arrests were made with race becoming a rare mention. Imagine the other way around? The examples for any city are too numerous to list here.
Rufus - if you kill anyone I believe you should get the death penalty or get locked up for life - NO PAROLE!! In other words rot in jail. HOw can either get a harsher sentence?
If a straight man kills a gay man they want that to be a "hate crime" with harsher penalty. If a gay man kills a straight man that would be a simple murder with a lessor penalty. What is wrong with this picture????
I do not believe that Kern hates gays, I do believe that she is standing for her faith and that is no different than a Muslim or a homosexual. No one can fault her for that regardless of what she said about gays. You have your opinion well so does she and so do I. We have enough limp wristed politicians in the world to last me a life time. Gays can stand up and voice their opinions about their life styles and everyone is supposed to except it because that is their decision. Gays want their voices heard and straight people have an opinion too and want to be heard, but when straight people talk it is a hate crime. I have never heard of anyone being arrested for voicing their opinion and frankly it is a shame if that ever happens. I have family that is gay, I love them but I do not condone their life style because of my faith. I know a lot of homosexuals but that does not mean I hate them. It saddens me because there is a better way that Jesus instituted for the family but in the end is when it will be decided who is right and who is wrong.
There are no Christian homosexuals. That's an oxymoron. There are several verses in the Bible that uphold that. And no Jesus didn't come here to abolish the law but to uphold it.
Just a correction to the comment posted by S. Hate crimes are determined by someone's sexual orientation or race, a crime can only be prosecuted as a hate crime if bias motivations are determined. For example, if my husband, who is white, kills me (i'm black), that would not automatically be considered a hate crime. Just wanted to clarify.
Tim Gill and his gay associates funded 38% of all opposition toward those who opposed gay marriage last year. They are funding local races all across the country this year, helping to elect lawmakers who will push gay marriage and defeating those who will not.
Yes, Rufus, back in the 80s, every homosexual in America got together and we drafted a play book. There were 6,854,396 of us in one room drafting a play book.
Hypo situation. Two people are murdered. One is gay the other is straight. The person who murdered the gay is guilty of a my heinous crime and gets a harsher sentence due to a hate crime law. That makes killing the straight person less of a crime, doesn't it? Hate crime laws are nothing but PC BS...
Rufus, spencer - Mar 28, 2008 1:08 PM ---------------------------------------------------------------------Just like if one is black and the other white, you get the harsher sentence for killing the black because it is a hate crime. So it is ok to kill whites?
If her district has the largest population of gays, how did she get elected?
Sondra, Edmond - Mar 28, 2008 11:49 AM---------------------------------------------------------------------No one ran against her. She won't be reelected this fall.
Hate crimes are unconstitional, and no they don't protect "everyone".. That is nonsense. A crime is a Crime, no need for Hate Laws, they are all BS..And you did not even answer my question. Nice way to dance around it though. With Millionaires like Tim Gill buying elections, I'm sure this country will be run purely by homosexuals if people don't wake up. It'll be like "Planet of the Apes"...
I was a kid in the 80s rufus. And yes, straight people would be protected under hate crime laws as well. If someone attacked you just because you are hetero, it would still be considered a hate crime. You don't have to be a minority for it to be applicable. And again, it's not about justifying one crime and making it okay because another is worse. That has nothing to do with it. It's about motive. Courts already consider motive. Why is this so threatening to you? Rebecca, I agree that some hateful things have been said towards Sally Kern and those who support her. I denounce hate speech of ANY kind, regardless of whether you agree with my views or not. I am as appalled that people have sent death threats (which from what I've read, the death threats themselves were unsubstantiated but I know there were some things said to her that I wouldn't agree with) as I am that she said those things to begin with. Two wrongs do not make a right, and those who have been so hateful towards her do not speak for me any more than Ms. Kern herself does.
Attorney Richard Thompson of the Thomas More Law Center, meanwhile, has volunteered to represent Kern in the legal arena, if need be, against what he calls homosexual "smear" tactics.
"Their actions are right out of a play-book developed by radical homosexual activists in the 1980s to manipulate and intimidate the majority of Americans into accepting the normalcy of the homosexual lifestyle," Thompson said. LaBarbera couldn't agree more.
"Gay activists are trying to reach younger and younger children with their message," LaBarbera said. "It's to the point where they are propagandizing toddlers in the gay agenda. We've known this for years.
"Remember 'Daddy's Roommate?' The book that said that homosexuality is just one more type of love? How can that be an appropriate message for toddlers, who don't even know what sex is yet?"
And Paula, I know people who consider what's on this post hate speech towards Christians, Okies, Republicans - many group...so should we track down the people who posted it? Just because someone considers something "hate speech" doesn't make it so.
Man, you guys have hit the nail on the head! Christians are the most discriminated against group there is. And Rufus - you are so right about the hate laws....perfect example.
Hypo situation. Two people are murdered. One is gay the other is straight. The person who murdered the gay is guilty of a my heinous crime and gets a harsher sentence due to a hate crime law. That makes killing the straight person less of a crime, doesn't it? Hate crime laws are nothing but PC BS...
I know plenty of people who are disgusted by what she said. I know plenty of people who consider it hate speech. I know plenty of Christians who don't persecute gay people or condemn them. I also know plenty of Christians who don't share my beliefs, but they do not see any reason to be hateful about it. Sally Kern's comparison of homosexuality to terrorism and the elevation of homosexuality as a worse threat than terrorism is a catalyst for those who already hold hate in their hearts. It is a justification for those who wish to hurt people different from them. It is a green light for more hateful words and vicious acts of violence. That is why I and others who share my opinion disagree so strongly with what she said. It has nothing to do with her chosen religion.
Sure K, Sure...We all believe you... I know of NO ONE outside this forum that is upset with Kern's exercising her right of free speech...If speaking out against homosexuality becomes a "Hate crime", then merely holding Christian beliefs can become dangerous and lead to lawsuits and criminal prosecution."
You are correct: There is no organized effort to keep this slanted against Rep. Kern. There are just a lot of decent people who believe what she did was terribly wrong. (Notice NO sarcasm)
9 responses in 10 minutes, all pro-gay and all saying the same thing....No, there's no organized effort to keep this slanted against Rep Kern...(notice, sarcasm)..
I truly can't understand why we can't all just move on from this. I urge the paper to cover something else. Kern said what she said, she thinks how she thinks and that's her right. I don't agree with everything she said, but i don't have to, and that's my right. I hope to God we are not going to be covering every "development" of this story.
I truly cannot understand why some people are so concerned with a person's sexual orientation. And I understand that biblical scripture can be quoted to support the condemnation of gays. For me, the most scary people are the old white straight guys like Bush and Cheney. Those individuals are the ones who really hurt people and the country.
Reading through the comments I see here, it is ok for Kern to encourage rage at what is described as an underground meeting for republicans only. Had it not been infiltrated, the propaganda would never have been exposed. So what we’re saying is “she's wouldn't say in public what she said at her hideout”. Her district includes the largest population of gays in the state of Oklahoma. So it is ok if they have no input or should we say be submitted to taxation without representation? She does not need to apologize. I'll agree to that. Most now would take her words as being compared with a forked tongue. Also I like the one about gays wouldn't accept her apology because "they" (the different ones) want blood, isn’t she the one that drew first blood? Do these self-righteous people think that gays do not have the right to defend themselves against such attacks, where they are repeatedly beat over the head with these slurs? Remember the McCarthy Days? A time when everyone who didn't meet a certain criteria was considered communist. From Hollywood to New York, American citizens were being spied on by Hoover and his boys. Where if you moved in to a new neighborhood the people across the street would sneak a quick look out to watch you’re every move to try and determine if you were some kind of spy. How about what happen after Pearl Harbor? When America rounded up all American Japanese and placed them in concentration camps mainly in eastern Oklahoma & Arkansas and Louisiana. Quick history lesson - these Japanese Americans were legal U.S. residents, rounded up and locked away without due process of law. At night American soldiers would knock down doors of homes of the American Japanese, sporting rifles, force families from their homes sometimes separating kids from parents, or husbands from wives. Maybe that’s where Kern learned her ethics and desire to encourage the annihilation of a group of humans, while at the same time she preaches for banning abortion because it kills a human life. It’s ok for her to declare an American identified as being gay as a terrorist? A target for some nut to shoot at or drag down the road behind their truck that’s decorated with the confederate flag. However I too have reversed my position on having her resign; I think she needs to stay in the public eye, where she can be closely monitored and if you will... be censored by her fellow colleagues trying to dodge the spot light.
Rufus Said, "BTW, it's very easy to register one's name on this forum and "CLAIM" one is "Straight" and from "Oklahoma"... I don't buy it..." - Delusional much?
I'll tell you, Rufus. It's a HUMAN RIGHTS issue. And it doesn't matter where we are from. We are Americans and we will do whatever it takes to ensure that EVERYONE in this country is treated fairly, respectfully, with dignity and the rights afforded to them by our constitution.
If I'm delusional Paula, tell me why the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund PAC openly took credit for posting that edited recording of Rep Kerns? Why do they openly brag about being able to mobilize such a large online response from gays all over the nation. Why are gays from Chicago, NYC ect bothering with this???
I have to admit, the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund PAC that has targeted Rep Kerns for destruction is able to mobilize quite a few e-mail spammers as well as get Gay Oklahoma politicians Elected to office for their dirty work..
Thank you for joining our conversations on NewsOK.com. We encourage your discussions but ask that you stay within the bounds of our terms and conditions. Please help us by reporting comments that violate these guidelines. To review our rules of engagement, go to Commenting and posting policy.
Leave a comment. Log in below or sign up (it's free).Editor's note: It is not our intent to offer comments on crime or fatality stories.
Oh, man...see, guys, THIS is what you're doing to the church with your hate and bigotry! Even as great Christian leaders come from the gay community, and even as many other Christians speak out against homophobia, every hateful slur from someone like Sally Kern drives people AWAY from the church. Your hate and bigotry are harming Christianity. Sally Kern is doing tremendous damage to the church.
What part of "Love your neighbor" does that hateful, ugly attitude represent, please?
"Everything she said is true"
Lie. She said virtually NOTHING that is not absolutely, proven lies. What little she said that WAS true, that gays have a very high suicide rate, she is part of the REASON for that horrific fact.
"and the extremist hateful attitudes of many in the homosexual community"
That's hysterical. She's pushing lies that destroy lives, and those fighting against them, fighting against bigotry and discrimination, are "hateful"?
Extremist?
Hilarious.
"have proven she's right."
Try again. Let's see some actual scientific evidence that people choose to be gay. Go ahead, we'll wait...since there's a MOUNTAIN of proof that it ISN'T chosen, you should have no problem if you look at legitimate sources realizing you're wrong and admitting such.
But then Sally Kern proves daily how massively arrogant the homophobic community is.
"Everyone I know that lives in her district (and that's a lot) plan to vote for her next time around too."
Bigots tend to hang out with other bigots. If you really think EVERYONE in her district supports this homophobe, you're delusional.
"Oklahoma needs to get back to its healthy founding roots and get rid of this liberalized anything goes attitude."
Tell me, seriously, do you REALLY think that if every single drop of hate you feel for gays were put into the law books that a SINGLE gay person would magically turn straight? Can you really be that ignorant?
Surely these people know that this has NOTHING to do with changing anyone, and everything to do with sick, Nazi attempts to just take the people they don't like and drive them out of our state.
Then again, a racist law is driving lots of Hispanics from the state, maybe they can drive all the gays out, too? Maybe that's the idea? Sick, sick, sick.
If gay people are expected to live by the laws of this land, then why shouldn't they have a say in making them? And if a gay organization wants to fund candidates, so be it! Don't other candidates receive funding from special interest groups? Duh! I'd like Sally Kern to explain her statement that "not all religions are equal." I'd also like the people of Oklahoma to tell me WHAT Sally Kern has done to HELP Oklahoma. (Most educated people will agree that gay-bashing and attempting to censor books is NOT a good thing.) Has she lowered taxes, lowered gas prices, done anything about the mortgage crisis, helped with unemployment and/or our dwindling economy, eradicated homlessness, hunger and poverty? Aren't there MUCH MORE IMPORTANT issues facing the people of Oklahoma than the supposed "gay agenda?" Shouldn't Sally be addressing the REAL issues instead of bashing gays and the religion of Islam? Seems to me the people of Oklahoma who are paying her salary are wasting their money.
Recovering alcoholics are still alcoholics. "Coverted" homosexuals are still homosexuals, just pretending they aren't.
In 1987, Michael Swift was asked to contribute an editorial piece to GCN, an important gay community magazine, although well to the left of most American gay and lesbian opinion. A decade later this text, printed in the Congressional Record is repeatedly cited, apparently verbatim, by the religious right as evidence of the "Gay Agenda". The video Gay Rights, Special Rights, put out by Lou Sheldon's Traditional Values Coalition cites it with ominous music and picture of children. But when the religious rights cites this text, they always omit, as does the Congressional record, the vital first line, which sets the context for the piece. In other words, every other version of this found on the net is part of the radical right's great lie about gay people. For a discussion of the whole "Gay vs. Religious Right" phenomenon see Chris Bull and John Gallagher: Perfect Enemies: The Religious Right, the Gay Movement, and the Politics of the 1990s, (New York: Crown, 1996)
This essay is an outré, madness, a tragic, cruel fantasy, an eruption of inner rage, on how the oppressed desperately dream of being the oppressor.
Nonetheless, the essay has been repeatedly cited by Christians and others who describe themselves as socially conservative or philosophically traditional in their world view, as evidence that some (or most) members of the gay community seek to dominate and destroy traditional American family values.[19]
From Wikpedia regarding article Rufus has just cited.
Hate Crime Legislation, is intended to provide the element of hate for another human being. A straight person walking down the street, who gets knocked over the head with a steel pipe because he looked gay to the suspect, would be protected by Hate Crime Legislation. Two women who share a home and are straight, are attacked by vandals smashing their car windows and painting graffiti consisting of intending to harass the women because they were gay, when in actuality they are two divorcee's trying to start over in life would be covered by the Hate Crime Legislation. A Gay man shoots a Straight Man, he is not protected from lethal injection, nor would the straight man if he had shot the gay. To prove a Hate Crime the element of hatred would have to be present. It wouldn't only protect gays, blacks, Jews or Muslims. Wait a minute might it be Oklahoma is more fearful of Christians attacking a Muslims shrines with graffiti and such and be held accountable through a Hate Crimes Law? Have you ever stopped to pay attention to the fact that teachers being arrested out of schools are straight, and most of their victims are of opposite sex? Not everyone wants to live by the words in your book called a bible yet you demand them to. If you can choose to be gay, good, lets see you try it. You can't! I do not know one of any advertising campaign that uses kids to attract gays. Because gay men and women are looking to interact with people of their own age, people whose bodies have matured and hold some attraction. Gay Ads have hunky men sitting pool side sipping sassafras, or two women walking across a beach. I have never seen a business use a child to lure gay customers in, that ought to tell you something. All this being said, no person debating here will change their opinion, because they choose to go to places where words are spoken, reinforcing beliefs and telling you to despise anyone who doesn’t fit in to category A. If the bible abusers would preach love, understanding and tolerance, the church offering plates would go empty and everyone would go home. The word of hate, the spirit of hate and the vile of these institutions must live on, for the Almighty--Dollar$ (check local listings for time and channel)
the same thing when I read what Richard wrote.
They are undoubtedly involved in your state.
By the way? I am a Christian.
Rufus, spencer - Mar 28, 2008 1:08 PM ---------------------------------------------------------------------Just like if one is black and the other white, you get the harsher sentence for killing the black because it is a hate crime. So it is ok to kill whites?
Sondra, Edmond - Mar 28, 2008 11:49 AM---------------------------------------------------------------------No one ran against her. She won't be reelected this fall.
"Their actions are right out of a play-book developed by radical homosexual activists in the 1980s to manipulate and intimidate the majority of Americans into accepting the normalcy of the homosexual lifestyle," Thompson said. LaBarbera couldn't agree more.
"Gay activists are trying to reach younger and younger children with their message," LaBarbera said. "It's to the point where they are propagandizing toddlers in the gay agenda. We've known this for years.
"Remember 'Daddy's Roommate?' The book that said that homosexuality is just one more type of love? How can that be an appropriate message for toddlers, who don't even know what sex is yet?"