Republican U.S. Senator David Vitter (left) and Speaker of the Louisiana House of Representatives Chuck Kleckley
I’m certain that most of the people in the state of Louisiana are nice folks. I’m certain of that. But like every state, Louisiana has its share of obstinate, self-serving politicians. Really, there is no other term that describes perfectly a man who — ten years after the U.S. Supreme Court declared anti-sodomy laws unconstitutional — refuses to repeal his state’s anti-sodomy laws from the books.
Currently there are 17 states that still “ban” sodomy. Ban is in quotes because those bans are literally illegal. And yet they remain, and they enable unscrupulous law enforcement officials to illegally and unconstitutionally arrest decent law-abiding citizens for the “crime” of having sex — even with their legally-married spouse.
Recently, the East Baton Rouge, Louisiana Sheriff’s department was caught by a local reporter arresting gay men for the “crime” of flirting, hooking up, or dating. At least 12 men were the victims of an unconstitutional sting operation during which cops would pretend to be gay, ask men out, then arrest them. One story even included this horrifying scenario:
An undercover East Baton Rouge Parish sheriff’s deputy was staking out Manchac Park about 10 a.m. one day this month when a slow-moving sedan pulling into the parking lot caught his attention. The deputy parked alongside the 65-year-old driver and, after denying being a cop, began a casual conversation that was electronically monitored by a backup team nearby.
As the two men moved their chat to a picnic table, the deputy propositioned his target with “some drinks and some fun†back at his place, later inquiring whether the man had any condoms, according to court records. After following the deputy to a nearby apartment, the man was handcuffed and booked into Parish Prison on a single count of attempted crime against nature.
So let’s talk about Republican U.S. Senator David Vitter for just a moment. We all know that the Republican Senator from the great state of Louisiana was caught in 2007 with his pants down, figuratively, at least, paying to have sex with prostitutes instead of his wife Wendy, thanks to the infamous D.C. Madam scandal. And soon, it was revealed that Vitter’s extra-marital activities extended not just to the nation’s capitol, but to the happy fun time city of New Orleans. Senator Vitter refused to resign because, as he put it, “I believe I received forgiveness from God. I know I did from Wendy, and we put it behind us.” There are nasty rumors about his supposed diaper fetish as well. But, like the Pope said, who am I to judge?
But the only reason Senator David Vitter wasn’t arrested? The statute of limitations was up.
Yes, that’s right. Republican U.S. Senator David Vitter didn’t get arrested for hiring prostitutes  because the law said he couldn’t be. But at least a dozen men in his home state were arrested — in grave violation of their constitutional rights — despite the very fact that the law said they couldn’t be. Well, to be accurate, the Supreme Court said they couldn’t be, but not the law in Louisiana.
So let’s talk about Republican Governor of Louisiana Bobby Jindal, the man who in 2012 actually said that allowing same-sex marriage in his state was a slippery slope to overturning “Second Amendment rights.â€Â The man who, yes, partakes in exorcisms.
In 2012, Governor Jindal hand-picked state Rep. Chuck Kleckley to be the Speaker of the Louisiana House of Representatives.
“Chuck is a true conservative who will be a Speaker for all of Louisiana,” Governor Jindal said, and posted this glowing endorsement to his Office of the Governor of Louisiana website:
“He’s proven that he can work across geographical and partisan lines to do the right thing for Louisiana.
“Chuck has been a strong partner and a consistent supporter of efforts to cut taxes, reduce the size of government and help grow Louisiana’s economy. We’ve spoken to members of the House and Chuck’s support exceeds a majority of the House.
“I look forward to working with Chuck as we continue to make Louisiana the best place in the world to raise a family and start a career.â€
“Chuck is a true conservative who will be a Speaker for all of Louisiana.”
“Do the right thing for Louisiana.”
Apparently, doing the “right thing” for “all of Louisiana” doesn’t include repealing unconstitutional laws.
Speaker of the House Chuck Kleckley “was asked Monday at the Press Club of Baton Rouge whether he would lead an effort to repeal the law,” the AP reports. “He said no.”
To be clear, anti-sodomy laws apply to everyone. So, by definition, married heterosexual couples engaging in oral sex are in clear violation of Louisiana’s invalid and unenforceable crime against nature statute — R.S. 14:89.
Last month, after the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s department was caught arresting gay men illegally, they were quick to offer an apology. Their ludicrous excuse?
“This is a law that is currently on the Louisiana books, and the sheriff is charged with enforcing the laws passed by our Louisiana Legislature,†the Sheriff’s spokesperson initially said. “Whether the law is valid is something for the courts to determine, but the sheriff will enforce the laws that are enacted.â€
The sheriff has been asking the state legislature since last month’s revelation of illegal arrests, to repeal the law.
Speaker Kleckley says “no.”
When Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli had clearly gone overboard with insisting — all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court — that his state’s anti-sodomy laws be upheld, MSNBC anchor Lawrence O’Donnell insisted Cuccinelli, now the GOP gubernatorial candidate, be asked if he’s ever violated the law, even with his wife.
Well, Speaker Kleckley?
Have you?
Image by Chuck Kleckley via Facebook
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Related:
Sheriff Arrests 12 Gay Men For Sex Because Unconstitutional Anti-Sodomy Law Still ‘On The Books’
Louisiana Republican Announces Legislation To Ban Flying The Rainbow Flag