'Sexual orientation' clause draws Oklahoma Co. judge's ire

[GrnMarvl14]

Source.

Suggested changes regarding language on "sexual orientation” in the state's Code of Judicial Conduct are inconsistent with the beliefs of Oklahomans, according to an Oklahoma County judge.

"These policies are not based on laws enacted by Congress or the State Legislature, but on proposals of the liberal, pro-homosexual American Bar Association,” District Judge Bill Graves wrote in a letter dated April 8 to Oklahoma Bar Association members.

Graves accused an Oklahoma Bar Association committee of promoting the homosexual agenda because it proposes offering additional protection based on "sexual orientation.”

In the letter, Graves stated the current code of conduct already prohibits discrimination on that basis, but the new proposal could forbid judges from refusing to award children in custody and adoption cases because a person is homosexual.

"Studies have shown that is detrimental to children,” he wrote, adding that such issues should be determined by the Legislature.

Arizona attorney Mark Harrison, who headed the American Bar Association committee that came up with the model code of conduct, denied Graves' suggestion the group is trying to advance an agenda.

He said the anti-discrimination provision won unanimous support from a diverse group of judges, lawyers and academics.

Graves contends the proposal also would prevent judges from being members of groups that discriminate based on "race, sex, gender, religion, national origin, ethnicity or sexual orientation.”

He also objected to the addition of "gender” and "ethnicity,” but his biggest complaint was "sexual orientation.”

"Sexual orientation” would protect pedophiles, polygamists and homosexuals who practice anal sodomy, defined in state law as "the detestable and abominable crime against nature,” the judge wrote.

"Since homosexual groups cannot succeed in persuading the Legislature to provide such protection, they are making an end run around the constitutional lawmaking processes,” Graves wrote.

He noted Oklahoma voters overwhelmingly voted to ban same-sex marriage in 2004.

"Obviously the people of Oklahoma do not subscribe to the homosexual agenda,” the judge wrote.

Graves, who spent 24 years as a state lawmaker before being elected to the bench in November 2006, declined to discuss his complaints about the proposed code of conduct for judges with The Oklahoman.

The national lawyers group provided the model for Oklahoma's revised code of conduct for judges, said John Morris Williams, executive director of the Oklahoma Bar Association.

"Certainly, it's not the finished product,” Williams said. "It could change dramatically.”

Any changes to Oklahoma's conduct rules for judges must be approved by the Oklahoma Supreme Court, which passed the original code of conduct in 1974.

Williams acknowledged the proposal has drawn some complaints, with some critics invited to testify before the committee.

Attorney Kevin Calvey, a former state representative, said he spoke to the committee in April about what he termed a First Amendment issue.

He called the new anti-discrimination measure "by far the worst public policy proposal I've ever seen.”

The proposal could be interpreted to include groups like the Boy Scouts, American Legion or Knights of Columbus, Calvey said. Such a rule might dissuade qualified candidates from becoming judges or cause them to avoid certain groups.

Oklahoma City University law professor Paula Dalley said the proposal could be problematic under the First Amendment, but it appears any issues would be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Calvey said the bar committee seemed receptive to his comments.

Sometimes it's REALLY hard to love this state. Especially when officials are AGAINST stopping discrimination.

 

[Zeta]

I've always wondered why people haven't tried to argue that gender discrimination includes homosexuals since they're being discriminated by being the wrong gender for their romantic desires.

 

[GrnMarvl14]

He also objected to the addition of "gender” and "ethnicity,” but his biggest complaint was "sexual orientation.”

Apparently, either way, he wants the ability to discriminate.

 

[The Pig King]

Wait, don't sex and gender mean the same thing under this context?

 

[offkilter06]

Oh dear lord.

REALLY hard to love this state, indeed. I'm surprised Sally Kern doesn't have a few quotes in that article. I'm sure she can speak some more about the 'dangers' of homosexuality.

In fact....Pride is in two weeks. Let's get Kern and the like in the parade ;D

 

[GrnMarvl14]

REALLY hard to love this state, indeed. I'm surprised Sally Kern doesn't have a few quotes in that article. I'm sure she can speak some more about the 'dangers' of homosexuality.

Oh, I'm sure she's got a fun opinion on it. But I'm sure she'd rather stay quiet when possible. I think she learned that speaking only makes these matters more open, which draws people's attention. Especially those people who disagree.

Last thing she wants is more attention toward homosexual issues.

 

[offkilter06]

True true.

Good thing her bill to allow 'any religious-based answers' in school was vetoed by Henry last week. I'm still amazed such an insane bill got so far. It should have never hit Henry's desk.

 

[GrnMarvl14]

True true.

Good thing her bill to allow 'any religious-based answers' in school was vetoed by Henry last week. I'm still amazed such an insane bill got so far. It should have never hit Henry's desk.

I never even heard about that. Guess I should pay better attention.

 

[Zeta]

So if her bill went through, kids could pass school by writing "Jesus did it" as the answer to every problem? Brilliant.

 

[Irinya]

So if her bill went through, kids could pass school by writing "Jesus did it" as the answer to every problem? Brilliant.

As much as I hate oppression and religious interference with the law, I would move there just to pass school so easily, I mean that's like a automatic HS diploma right there! On the other hand, university would be murder after such a wonderful education....

Wonder why they let such biased bigots into politics, all this time I thought the church and state should be separate. Guess I was reading about a different constitution.

 

[Gohansan]

I knew oklahoma was deep into americaland, but I never thought it was that bad...
When will these states realise that they are 50 years behind the rest of the world on policies that are so vital to the ethnic growth of thier 'so called' equal society?
Sorry if I am stressing the matter to far, but these are such vital flaws to the idea of the USA, that if you do not get your act together, the rest of the world will contiue to hate you the same, if not worse, than we do now.

 

[Irinya]

I knew oklahoma was deep into americaland, but I never thought it was that bad...
When will these states realise that they are 50 years behind the rest of the world on policies that are so vital to the ethnic growth of thier 'so called' equal society?
Sorry if I am stressing the matter to far, but these are such vital flaws to the idea of the USA, that if you do not get your act together, the rest of the world will contiue to hate you the same, if not worse, than we do now.

Well most of the world started to hate the U.S of A when Bush Jr. came into power, so maybe with the upcoming elections, things might change. It's not like any European countries are any better when it comes to this (I'm European myself), everywhere people are stupid.

Please note that in no way am I defending the stupidity which is this, I'm just stating that the U.S.A is not the only country with such a problem, and this problem is not the main reason why people hate the U.S, I think the key reason is the Iraq war.

 

[Blackjack Gabbiani]

Wait, the STATE LAW describes gays as "detestable"? Why would any gay person LIVE there then? Hell, why would any DECENT person live there when such a word is used in the LAW? I'm surprised people haven't moved out in droves. Is it any wonder even people in the US think that area of the country is full of backwards hicks?

And of course he wants the "right" to discriminate against people by basis of their gender. Any woman (or decent-minded man) who voted for him ought to be making some incredibly angry calls to his office about that.

For that matter...how DOES one reach this bigot? I want to make myself heard.

 

[Æsahættr]

It's not like any European countries are any better when it comes to this (I'm European myself), everywhere people are stupid.

Yeah, and it's basically a negative correlation between the size of ones brain and the size of ones mouth. The voice of reason is rarely heard over the jet-turbine-roar of stupidity.

Wait, the STATE LAW describes gays as "detestable"?

Is that true? I know I'm a cynic, especially when it comes to topics like this (and America), but I still have a hard time believing that anyone, politician or otherwise, could see that as acceptable.

 

[GrnMarvl14]

I knew oklahoma was deep into americaland, but I never thought it was that bad...
When will these states realise that they are 50 years behind the rest of the world on policies that are so vital to the ethnic growth of thier 'so called' equal society?

Insulation. We're in the middle of the country. Most people don't leave the state, let alone the country. And few people come here from any countries other than Mexico (though I've known a few people from other countries). Toss in the extreme Bible-thumping (usually at least two Protestant churches (of different denominations) on each block), and you get crazies. Oddly enough, people here will repress until the Rapture, but if someone needs help, they're all too eager to help, regardless of differences.

Why would any gay person LIVE there then?

Sometimes you're just born there. Had a couple of gay friends in high school. One moved to Connecticut to go to college (never heard if he ever came back), and the other still lives here.

Hell, why would any DECENT person live there when such a word is used in the LAW?

The Pentagon considers homosexuality to be a mental disorder. How is that any better?

Wait, the STATE LAW describes gays as "detestable"?

Don't believe there is. There's just a judge (he's...not alone, I'm sure) who feels that way, and is against gender, sexual discrimination, or (something...else) being used as the basis for a discrimination lawsuit.

Any woman (or decent-minded man) who voted for him ought to be making some incredibly angry calls to his office about that.

Not likely around here. Even with this on the front page of the local paper, it's unlikely anyone even took notice of the small paragraph mentioning gender.

For that matter...how DOES one reach this bigot? I want to make myself heard.

Talking to these idiots is like beating your head against a rock, only not as fun. They're so steeped in their religious beliefs (I...assume it's a religious issue with him. It usually is here), and are backed up by a congregation of like-minded folks, that it's very hard to change people.

Though I have seen a few people who were extremely Christian change their attitudes towards gays just by being around them.

The voice of reason is rarely heard over the jet-turbine-roar of stupidity.

Nothing beats stupidity in large groups.

Is that true? I know I'm a cynic, especially when it comes to topics like this (and America), but I still have a hard time believing that anyone, politician or otherwise, could see that as acceptable.

You'd be surprised what some people around here (not all...DEFINITELY not all, or even a majority) find acceptable.

 

[Blackjack Gabbiani]

The Pentagon considers homosexuality to be a mental disorder. How is that any better?

See, I don't understand why there's not huge uproar over things like that. It seems to be limited to "oh, those bigots are at it again, we'll slowly try to change things". Where's the million-strong demonstrations marching through the streets of DC? Where's the non-stop coverage? Where are the leaders? Aside from Joe Solomonese, there's like no civil rights leaders for gay causes, at least none that make any sort of press.

 

[Zeta]

There are no civil rights leaders for gay causes. Openly gay politicians don't get into positions of much power, gay people are told they're worthless and shouldn't want rights growing up, and straight people are too scared or ignorant to stand up for us.

 

[Blackjack Gabbiani]

But it was the same with people of color and that didn't stop the civil rights leaders of the 50s and 60s, and that included whites becoming leaders as well. So why should it be any different here?

 

[Irinya]

But it was the same with people of color and that didn't stop the civil rights leaders of the 50s and 60s, and that included whites becoming leaders as well. So why should it be any different here?

For a simple reason really, there were a lot more people who were will to stand up for the African Americans and others in the Civil Right Movement. Not to mention that the population of the people that were being oppressed was much higher than the current population of homosexuals in the U.S, so it earned a giant boost with that...(I'm not saying that only the people that are being discriminated against support the Civil Rights Movement, but they did make up the majority of the supporters)

Another factor that might play in this, is that people don't have a strong leader to rally around. If someone like Martin Luther King Jr. came up and started to speak out about gay rights like MLK did about the minority rightd, more people would 'see the light' and join the cause.

So yah...

 

[Zeta]

But it was the same with people of color and that didn't stop the civil rights leaders of the 50s and 60s, and that included whites becoming leaders as well. So why should it be any different here?

One big reason: Gay people can remain in the closet if they so choose. Racial minorities can't hide who they are, so they were forced to fight for their rights. A lot of gay people would rather hide in a closet than rock the boat.