Taking Theocratic Action in Oklahoma

[FOTD]

http://www.talk2action.org/story/2009/3/14/154250/126

According to United Church News: 
Jones had been invited to deliver the prayer and serve as chaplain for the day by Rep. Al McAffrey, D-Oklahoma City.
Following the prayer, McAffrey asked that the session vote to include Jones' prayer in the House journal, the official daily record of the chamber. An objection was raised by Rep. John Wright, R-Broken Arrow, who called for a vote on the prayer's inclusion.

"It was a pretty chaotic moment," said Jones of the procedural points of order that ensued following Wright's objection. "My understanding was that [an objection to a prayer] never happens."

The vote took place once order had been established, with 64 representatives voting to include the prayer, 20 opposing it and 17 abstentions.

Jones is a constituent of McAffrey's Oklahoma City district. Both believe the objection was raised because of their sexuality. Jones leads the largest predominantly LGBT congregation in Oklahoma City and is himself gay. McAffrey is Oklahoma's only openly gay legislator.

"As the leader of Rev. Jones' denomination, I am deeply offended by the treatment he received from the legislature and dismayed by the message of intolerance it sends to the citizens of Oklahoma and beyond," said the Rev. John H. Thomas, General Minister and President of the UCC. "It is comforting, however, to remember that our prayers are judged at the throne of grace and not in the halls of petty principalities."

"The Oklahoman" newspaper quoted McAffrey on Wednesday, saying that "because most of Scott's congregation are gay people and Scott is gay himself, I'm sure that's the reason why there were negative votes on it."

But Wright sees it differently. In the same Oklahoman article, he stated his objection was procedural - that prayers were only entered into the official record on Thursdays - but later said his "actions were motivated by the faith."

Rep. Sally Kern, R-Oklahoma City, was among those who voted to strike the prayer from the record. Kern is on record as calling homosexuality "the biggest threat our nation has, even more so than terrorism and Islam."



We'll see these culprits in the after life.
They know not what awaits their arrivals.
What a bizzare state legislature.

[swake]

He's back..........

[waterboy]

It is reassuring to note that only 20 voted against the acceptance with 17 cowards who couldn't understand that a prayer by a gay has the same audience as a prayer by a "good" citizen. Nearly twice as many in favor as opposed. Those 37 are fighting a war that their constituents don't care about. Good to see little 'ol Broken Arrow is carrying the banner.

[Hoss]

It is reassuring to note that only 20 voted against the acceptance with 17 cowards who couldn't understand that a prayer by a gay has the same audience as a prayer by a "good" citizen. Nearly twice as many in favor as opposed. Those 37 are fighting a war that their constituents don't care about. Good to see little 'ol Broken Arrow is carrying the banner.

Doesn't this come from the same community (Broken Arrow) that outlawed dancing?  Is it still outlawed?  I remember that from my post-high-school days when I would go clubbing.  I knew a multitude of people from Broken Arrow who would go to the Caravan or many other Tulsa clubs, but lamented about not having one of their own due to this idiotic law.

Talk about living in the past.

[Townsend]

Doesn't this come from the same community (Broken Arrow) that outlawed dancing?  Is it still outlawed?  I remember that from my post-high-school days when I would go clubbing.  I knew a multitude of people from Broken Arrow who would go to the Caravan or many other Tulsa clubs, but lamented about not having one of their own due to this idiotic law.

Talk about living in the past.

"now I gotta cut loose, foot loose, kick off the sunday shoes..."

[mr.jaynes]

It is reassuring to note that only 20 voted against the acceptance with 17 cowards who couldn't understand that a prayer by a gay has the same audience as a prayer by a "good" citizen. Nearly twice as many in favor as opposed. Those 37 are fighting a war that their constituents don't care about. Good to see little 'ol Broken Arrow is carrying the banner.

I've gotta say, having lived in Broken Arrow during much of my growing up, I really can't wrap my mind around Wright's satatements: is he against it? If so, his thoughts seem to mirror the mindset I was used to seeing in Broken Arrow. If he's agfainst it, is that to say that there is some measure of Liberal thought in Broken Arrow? Help me out here!

[nathanm]

Talk about living in the past.

That's not living in the past, that's living in the stupids.

[Conan71]

Broken Arrow = Rheema

Need I say more?

[mr.jaynes]

Doesn't this come from the same community (Broken Arrow) that outlawed dancing?  Is it still outlawed?  I remember that from my post-high-school days when I would go clubbing.  I knew a multitude of people from Broken Arrow who would go to the Caravan or many other Tulsa clubs, but lamented about not having one of their own due to this idiotic law.

Talk about living in the past.

Broken Arrow seemed for me a city that was behind the curve in so many ways. I saw the difference when I transferred into Tulsa Public Schools.