You've probably heard the story. 2 Political Junkies broke it here in the Burghosphere. To sum it up, Oklahoma Republican and State Rep Sally Kern made some inflammatory comments before a GOP audience, including the rather silly claim that homosexuals have taken over Pittsburgh City Government.
The rest of her comments are the same outrageous claptrap our foes have been spewing for years. She's just up front about her bigotry. People are up in arms. Ellen DeGeneres stepped out of character and went political on her show in response to Kern. Good for Ellen.
You know who isn't so upfront about their bigotry? Members of the Pennsylvania Senate and House who refused to stand against the so called “Marriage Protection” Amendment in 2006. I've blogged over and over about this. I've been condemned by gay politicos for criticizing our “allies” in the Senate who used some slick maneuvers to vote for it and vote against it.
This Amendment hurts our community. It also hurts the heterosexual community — I'm sure each of you knows at least one unmarried heterosexual couple who have a family. It is an unnecessary, hate-laced bill and next week it comes up for a vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Sally Kern obviously feels she is politically safe to state that gays are a bigger threat to American society than international terrorism. She can say that in her state, defend her Free Speech and not worry about getting herself reelected. That's Oklahoma.
What about here in Pennsylvania? Does your Senator have the electoral freedom to embed hate and intolerance in our state constitution? S/he might. Have you called to let them know otherwise? Have you taken the five minutes necessary to get their phone number, make the call and share your thoughts? How would you feel if s/he said your child poses a threat greater than terrorism because he's gay?
There's no excuse for this silly legislation to get out of committee. I believe the 2000 Census showed that there are 25,000 gay couples in Pennsylvania. That's 50,000 votes, give or take a few who aren't registered in our Commonwealth.
Kern's claim that Pittsburgh government is overrun with homos is absurd. I'm sure Bruce Kraus isn't losing any sleep (and has been accused of much worse in the name of his sexual orientation). But he's doing his part.
Are you?
Click here if you have five minutes to do something constructive about the Sally Kern's of the world.
ps: In a fun ironic twist, Chris Potter points out that the AFA of PA has changed Sally's name to Kerr. I have been permanently banned from the AFA of PA email list (imagine) so I didn't get that information. Ah, that Aunt Sally of mine … 🙂
pps: Multiple people have commented on my lack of posting on this topic. The good news is that I got a promotion at work! Hurrah. The bad news is that I seem to be working a lot more 12 hour days. And, frankly, this just didn't move me to blog. Until I realized how few people that I know are making those legislative calls …
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Council President Doug Shields' response to Rep. Sally Kern's remarks.
As many of you may be aware…Rep. Sally Kern recently made remarks on her views of GLBT people in america. If you haven't heard visit http://www.victoryfund.org/listening.
Below is the response from the City of Pittsburgh Council President Doug Shields. Please show your appreciation to Mr. Shields by email to him at doug.shields@city.pittsburgh.pa.us.
———————————————————————————————————————————————
Representative Sally Kern
2300 N. Lincoln Blvd.
Room 332
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
Ms. Kern:
Today I listened to your remarks (http://www.victoryfund.org/listening. ) related to your views on gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people (GLBT). I was thoroughly disgusted by what you had to say and astonished that someone who presumably took an oath of office to uphold the U.S. Constitution and the laws of this nation would espouse hateful, bigoted and un-American views.
I sit here in my office and only wonder who else might be on your “less equal” list. I also wonder, if we should follow your illogic, what it is we should do about this “threat” to the nation? Round them up and put them in extermination camps? How would you have us “cut out this cancer” assuming we do away with our Constitution and Bill of Rights and host of other civil rights we enjoy in this free and democratic nation? Of course you always have the option to relocating to a country that embraces polices of persecuting those who are “less equal.” But then AGAIN, you to may run the risk of being persecuted yourself.
Your remarks, whether you know it are not, provided an incredible display of ignorance and intolerance. You incite others to cause harm and even death to those who are of the GLBT community. New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer resigned his office for far less an offense than the ones you committed in your remarks. I would hope that you too would recognize your offense and do likewise – resign.
I find no place at the table for a public policy maker who would espouse hate, discrimination and bigotry. Your remarks amply illustrate why you are unfit for office and the honor of representing the best interests of all law abiding people in your legislative district.
As the President of the Council of the City of Pittsburgh, I require an apology from you for your senseless, mean spirited attack on one my colleagues and the Council as a whole. I would think, should you take the time to reflect upon your hateful, bigoted words. An apology is also in order to the GLBT community and their friends. Short of a a miracle, I do not expect that you will. I find persons of your ilk completely blind to your ignorance.
In any event, I would hope that the fair-minded people of Oklahoma will disavow your position in this matter and take the matter up with your state human relations and ethics commission. I would also ask that your legislature censure you and all other hate mongers who truly are a threat to peace loving and law-abiding Americans everywhere.
Sincerely,
Douglas A. Shields
City of Pittsburgh
President of Council ~ 5th Council District
Room 510 City County Building
414 Grant Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412 255 8965 Fax412 255 0820
doug.shields@city.pittsburgh.pa.us
http://www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us
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