Mike McCarville’s Opinion
Which is the more disappointing: Rep. Sally Kern’s outrageous bill, or Governor Fallin’s weak-kneed response to it?
Kern’s bill would allow restaurants to refuse to allow service to gays and lesbians just because they are…gay and lesbian.
House Bill 1597 would allow businesses to refuse service “to any lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender person, group or association,” and be immune from civil liability. I guess it could be worse; it could say “to any black (or Jewish, or Catholic, or Gypsy) lesbian….”
Regular readers will know I am no advocate of the alternative life style.
They also know, I hope, that unfairness or the perception of it drives me nuts. As in unequal pay for women. As in stupid administrative rules in our schools. As in discrimination against those of color or ethnicity.
I have no doubt of Sally Kern’s devotion to the country, nor the depth of her beliefs.
This proposal, however, is one that stinks; it is something one might expect in Nazi Germany. Oh…it did happen there, didn’t it?
Enough of the hate, Rep. Kern.
Her proposal should be given the heave-ho, and by her. Now.
As to the governor’s refusal to give an opinion…not the stance of a strong leader. Disappointing, the act of a person without a strong backbone, or a sense of outrage.
I hand no idea you were pervert friendly Ole Mike…is that for PC reasons…do you want your grand kids taught by them or your food fixed by them…did you know they pass around over 127 anal sex diseases…
Jim, when the bill is introduced banning folks named Jim from restaurants, I’ll oppose it as well.
Well said Mike. Bigotry and discrimination should not be tolerated.
Although our politics usually far apart, in this case we agree. Basic human dignity demands respect for others, even if we do not agree with them.
Jim, I’m very surprised you can count to 127. Bless your heart, I’ll be praying for you.
I disagree with Kern’s bill. It is a step too far. But, I do agree with a business person’s right to refuse service to anyone, and no person should be allowed to sue that business owner by playing the race or sexual preference card. I have been a white, heterosexual male for over 55 years and no one is celebrating my diversity or marching in parades on my behalf, nor should they.
Replace the sexual preference words with “Jews” “Methodists” “Catholics” “Baptists” “Whites” “Blacks” “Orientals” “Democrats” “Republicans” “Libertarians” “Left-Handed” and the problem becomes clear for thinking conservatives regarding this legislation. I’m certain Mrs. Kern has her reasons, but they appear to be misguided.
In parts of this once great country small businesses, cake shop example, have been sued out of business for refusing to put two same sex individuals on the wedding cake. This is your idea of tolerance. Kern is right you should not forfeit your livelihood for the sake of political correctness.
Dick, when they come for you, I’ll stand with you.
I discriminate against and for businesses, people products and the clothing I will wear every day, we all do. Not only just whom I will purchase from, but also whom I will sell to or allow on my property/especially my home. I freely admit some idiosyncrasies in my selections. When those I do not select to trade with or invite to stay on my property can confiscate my property through the (lack of) justice system then Liberty is dead. Think it through.
This bill is fixable. Just replace the gay references with ANYONE FOR ANY REASON. As a business owner I should be able refuse to serve anyone and why is irrelevant.
You can do that now, can you not?
I do not believe you can, Mike. The person being refused service or goods can play the race or sexual preference card and force the business owner into financial oblivion by having to lawyer up and defend him\herself.
So, having read the bill, it would have permitted hospitals, grocery stores, even possibly government trust agencies (water utilities, etc) the right to refuse to serve people. Kern has removed the bill now, but the idea that you would want a society where even basic services are denied to people is nothing like what Christ taught. Surely there is a big difference between a customized wedding cake and basic food staples?