Texas' Anti-Sodomy Statute just won't Stay Dead!

Republicans fools are stalling the repeal of the Texas' anti-sodomy statute. It was labeled unconstitutional 8 years ago and language has been changed, but still, the Repubs are being assholes about it.

Mother Jones has the story:

A pair of identical bills that have been introduced in the Texas House would delete language from the state penal code making "deviate sexual intercourse with another individual of the same sex" a misdemeanor offense. Under the proposals, a clause in the state's health and safety code that cites the criminal statute and states that homosexuality is "not an acceptable lifestyle" would also be repealed.


That is, if the legislature's Republican supermajority ever lets the bills come to a vote.


"Their silence is deafening," says Democratic State Rep. Jessica Farrar, who sponsored one of the proposals. "It's killing us. It's just as bad as if they were vocal."

The reason why they are stalling the repeal is ridic:

State Rep. Wayne Christian, a Republican and one of the state's leading social conservative politicians, told the Austin American-Statesman last month that he likely wouldn't support the bills repealing the ban on gay sex because the House already has too much on its plate. Among other things, the legislature is debating a bill to allow college students to carry concealed firearms in lecture halls, a measure to require women to view an ultrasound before having an abortion, and legislation to prevent state courts from applying Islamic sharia law. Neither Christian nor any of the other five Republicans on the Legislature's criminal jurisprudence committee responded to Mother Jones' requests for comment.

Farrar has no illusions about the bill's chances: "The prospects don't look good."

Come on, Texas! Get it together!

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In Nashville: The Anti-Discrimination Bill passes in Metro Council

My homestate is going something right! The Metro Council in Nashville (Nashvagas to some) passed a bill, making companies pledge to not discriminate against workers based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

The Metro Council approved a bill Tuesday requiring government contractors to abide by that guideline by a vote of 21-15, with three abstentions. A source of controversy in the business community, the bill drew sharp debate from council members Tuesday night.


Councilman Jamie Hollin, a sponsor of the bill, said after the vote that Metro had “sent a clear signal all around the world” that people of all kinds are welcome to work in Nashville. Advocates of gay rights agreed.


“If you’re willing to work hard, and you’re talented, you’re welcome in Nashville, Tenn.,” said Chris Sanders, chairman of the Tennessee Equality Project’s Nashville chapter.


Several council members spoke passionately against the bill. Critics on the council had so far made two arguments: that creating another protected class of employee made companies vulnerable to litigation, and that uneven policies across county lines would hamper commerce.


Councilman Phil Claiborne said more bluntly what others had hinted at previously. Claiborne said the policy told business owners with religious convictions opposing homosexuality that they had to “abandon their core beliefs” to do business with Metro.

That's a major step in Tennessee. I'm proud to hear about this! Get it, Nashville!

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Wyoming House Passes Anti-Gay Marriage Bill

After trying to do this for several years, Wyoming managed to pass an anti-gay marriage bill.

House Bill 74 now heads to the Senate, where its chances for passage appear good.


State Rep. Owen Petersen, R-Mountain View, the bill's sponsor, said the legislation is needed to resolve a conflict in Wyoming law, which defines marriage as a contract "between a male and a female person" but also recognizes any valid marriage performed outside the state. Other supporters have said the bill will help to hold back government intrusion into Wyoming traditions and culture.


Opponents said the bill is unnecessary, violates the rights of gays and lesbians to marry, and would create havoc for legally married out-of-state gay couples traveling in Wyoming.


The Wyoming House has voted down similar legislation twice in recent years. But with many past opponents retiring or voted out of office in November, the bill passed the House 32-27. State Rep. Patrick Goggles, D-Ethete, was excused from voting.

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