Signing for Sally Kern's moral proclamation turns into vocal match

About 250 people who gathered today at the state Capitol for the signing of a “proclamation for morality” got into a chanting and singing match.

As people signed the proclamation written by Rep. Sally Kern, R-Oklahoma City, opponents began chanting, “Shame on you!” and “Love thy neighbor!”

Those backing the proclamation responded by singing “God Bless America.”

The peaceful but loud exchange that rang through the first-floor rotunda went on for several minutes, causing Kern and others to prematurely stop the event and move a news conference to a press room.

Supporters outnumbered protesters. The event ended as many on both sides sang the national anthem.

Kern’s proclamation states a decline in the moral foundations of the United States and declares the need for spiritual renewal to address many societal problems, including the recent economic downturn.

It is not a proposed piece of legislation. Four other legislators, all House Republicans, showed up in support of Kern’s proclamation; Oklahoma’s Legislature has 149 members.

“The foundational documents of our republic repeatedly note the need for a free people to also be a moral people to truly prosper,” Kern said. “You cannot fully address social issues without also addressing spiritual needs.”

"This nation has become a world leader in promoting abortion, pornography, same sex marriage, sex trafficking, divorce, illegitimate births, child abuse, and many other forms of debauchery,” reads the proclamation, which contains quotes from the country's Founding Fathers.

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