Connect with us

Anti-Sodomy Laws Stay On The Books, Thanks To Bobby Jindal’s Hand-Picked Speaker Of The House

Published

on

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.” 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.”

“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.

Sodomy | Define Sodomy at Dictionary.com

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.”

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

 

Related:

David Vitter Wants The FBI To Do Background Checks On Teachers To Save Children From People Like David Vitter

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

Continue Reading
Click to comment
 
 

Enjoy this piece?

… then let us make a small request. The New Civil Rights Movement depends on readers like you to meet our ongoing expenses and continue producing quality progressive journalism. Three Silicon Valley giants consume 70 percent of all online advertising dollars, so we need your help to continue doing what we do.

NCRM is independent. You won’t find mainstream media bias here. From unflinching coverage of religious extremism, to spotlighting efforts to roll back our rights, NCRM continues to speak truth to power. America needs independent voices like NCRM to be sure no one is forgotten.

Every reader contribution, whatever the amount, makes a tremendous difference. Help ensure NCRM remains independent long into the future. Support progressive journalism with a one-time contribution to NCRM, or click here to become a subscriber. Thank you. Click here to donate by check.

News

Congressman Pummeled for Praising Students Mocking Black Protester With Monkey Sounds

Published

on

U.S. Rep. Mike Collins, Republican of Georgia, is under fire after praising University of Mississippi students, some wearing American flag outfits, mocking a Black woman protester by making monkey sounds and shouting, “lock her up.”

“Counter-protestors at the University of Mississippi made racist remarks — including monkey noises and comparisons to Lizzo — towards a Black woman who was part of a planned protest against the war in Gaza,” Los Angeles Magazine reported Friday.

Collins, who tried to defund Vice President Kamala Harris’ Office in November, declared his support for the counter-protesters at “Ole Miss,” as the University is called.

“Ole Miss taking care of business,” he wrote on social media, atop the video (below).

The counter-protesters, as evidenced in the video, appear to be mostly white.

A large number of users on the social media platform X responded, accusing the Congressman and the counter-protesters of racism.

“When is the inevitable ‘I don’t have a racist bone in my body’ tweet coming,” wondered Rewire News Group editor-at-large Imani Gandy.

“Which part is your favorite, Mike?” asked Fred Wellman, the former executive director of The Lincoln Project. “Is it the white kid acting like a monkey at the black woman or the white security guy acting like she’s a threat? I’m trying to figure out which flavor of racism has you all excited the most?”

READ MORE: MAGA State Superintendent Supports Chaplains in Public Schools – But Not From All Religions

Harvard Law Cyberlaw Clinic clinical instructor Alejandra Caraballo responded to the Georgia GOP congressman, “Thanks for confirming you’re a massive racist piece of sh*t.”

Mississippi Free Press news editor Ashton Pittman wrote: “Rep. Mike Collins, R-Georgia, praises a video showing a University of Mississippi frat boy dancing like a monkey and making monkey noises near a Black woman student who was protesting for Palestine while other frat boys chant ‘lock her up.'”

In a separate post describing a separate video taken of the same group Pittman wrote: “Frat bros at @OleMiss chant, ‘Lizzo! Lizzo!’ and shout, ‘F**k you fatass, f**k you b*tch’ at a Black woman who was protesting for Palestine. Do people really think these counterprotestors are doing it to support Jews?”

Journalist John Harwood did not mince words, writing, “Congressman proud of the racism.”

“Okay, Mike. We get it,” wrote podcast host, documentary director, and author W. Kamau Bell. “You want to be famous for being a racist. Fine. I’ll help you become a famous racist. You’re welcome.”

The original video is here.

See Rep. Collins’ post and the video below or at this link.

Caution: the video is disturbing.

READ MORE: Noem Heads to Mar-a-Lago After Branding Kids She Ministered in Church ‘Little Tyrants’

Continue Reading

News

Noem Heads to Mar-a-Lago After Branding Kids She Ministered in Church ‘Little Tyrants’

Published

on

Amid more damning revelations from her soon-to-be released book, embattled South Dakota Republican Governor Kristi Noem will head to Mar-a-Lago this weekend as ex-president Donald Trump auditions potential vice presidential picks in front of high-dollar donors. Noem was also slated to attend a Republican fundraiser in Colorado this weekend but it was canceled over alleged safety concerns after news broke she had bragged about shooting her 14-month old dog.

While Noem’s shooting to death of her wirehaired pointer, Cricket, which she detailed in the book, is still making headlines overnight a new revelation made news: Noem falsely claims in her book she met with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un.

A spokesperson for Noem “seemed to concede that the Kim story was false Thursday night,” and notified her publisher, Politico’s Ryan Lizza reported in his exclusive.

But less noticed appears to be the actual text of Noem’s false story, in which she brands children she ministered in church “little tyrants,” and compared them to the murderous North Korean dictator.

READ MORE: RFK Jr., Embracing Far-Right, Spoke at Fundraiser for Anti-Government Group With J6 Ties

“Through my tenure on the House Armed Services Committee,” Noem wrote, according to Politico, “I had the chance to travel to many countries to meet with world leaders. I remember when I met with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un. I’m sure he underestimated me, having no clue about my experience staring down little tyrants (I’d been a children’s pastor, after all).”

CNBC reported this week Trump “will mingle with potential vice presidential running mates and wealthy Republican donors at the Republican National Committee’s spring donor retreat. The meetings are likely to act as informal tryouts for a short list of politicos in the running to join the Trump ticket.”

The list of Republican “special guests” includes U.S. Senators Marco Rubio, Tim Scott, and J.D. Vance, Rep. Elise Stefanik, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem.

Also expected to attend are House Speaker Mike Johnson, U.S. Reps. Byron Donalds of Florida and Wesley Hunt of Texas, former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, and other elected Republicans along with RNC co-chair Lara Trump.

READ MORE: Election Denialism Embraced by ‘Large Proportion’ of Trump’s Followers: Report

NBC News, which says Rep. Donalds is also under consideration, on Friday added there will be “a fundraising retreat that could serve as a screening session” for potential vice presidential running mates.

Meanwhile, the Jefferson County, Colorado Republican Party chair announced a fundraising dinner Noem was slated to attend was canceled after threats were made, The Denver Post reports.

“We understood there was a planned organized protest outside of the hotel, led by Progress Now,” Nancy Pallozzi said. “I felt that our event would be negatively impacted, and we could not take the risk that those who made threats would cause physical harm.”

 

 

Continue Reading

News

RFK Jr., Embracing Far-Right, Spoke at Fundraiser for Anti-Government Group With J6 Ties

Published

on

Over the weekend independent 2024 presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. spoke at a fundraiser for a far-right anti-government group in Erie County, New York – a slice of the country that had a large proportion of residents arrested and charged for crimes related to the January 6 insurrection. Kennedy, a conspiracy theorist and vaccine denialist, increasingly is embracing the far-right.

“That group, Constitutional Coalition of New York State, has founders who not only have ties to Donald Trump but are also connected to the stop-the-steal movement through their activist network, which includes groups that had a presence at the Capitol on Jan. 6,” The Daily Beast reported Friday. “It’s yet another instance of Kennedy—who is mounting one of the most well-funded third-party presidential threats in decades—serving as a peculiar bridge between his own anti-establishment movement and Trump’s.”

The Southern Poverty Law Center includes the Constitutional Coalition of New York State (CCNYS) on its page of anti-government groups. Political Research Associates, which detailed the high proportion of January 6 residents arrested and charged, included the Constitutional Coalition of New York State in its February report on “The Rise of the Far Right in Western New York.”

READ MORE: Election Denialism Embraced by ‘Large Proportion’ of Trump’s Followers: Report

“If you don’t think the government is lying to you, you’re not paying attention,” Kennedy told attendees at the CCNYS fundraiser, The Buffalo News reports.

“CCNYS founders Nick and Nancie Orticelli are also affiliated with the Watchmen, a nearby militia who Nick has encouraged his social media followers to join. The Watchmen had several members at the Capitol on Jan. 6, and one member, Pete Harding, is still facing charges for violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds,” The Daily Beast noted. “Nancie Orticelli has also hosted the Watchmen’s founder, Charles Pellien, on her weekly radio show on several occasions.”

One of Kennedy’s goals in traveling to New York was to get on the ballot for the November presidential election. Various polls show him taking votes from both President Joe Biden and ex-president Donald Trump, but Kennedy currently has only qualified to be on the ballot in three states, Utah, Michigan and Hawaii, the newspaper reported.

But The Washington Post on Thursday reported The American Independent Party of California, which has a history of “far-right ties,” and “backed segregationist and former Alabama governor George Wallace in 1968, nominated Kennedy for president.”

Kennedy “said this week that he has qualified to be on the ballot in California and will accept the nomination of the American Independent Party, which has a history of associating itself with far-right figures and individuals who have expressed racist views.”

Some news reports and RFK Jr. himself say the Trump campaign was actively courting Kennedy, attempting to convince him to consider being the ex-president’s 2024 vice presidential running mate.

“That MAGA dalliance with Kennedy could be coming back to bite the Trump campaign, some Republicans close to the former president worry,” The Daily Beast also reported.

“’They can only blame themselves,’ a Trump-aligned strategist told The Daily Beast, requesting anonymity to speak candidly about private conversations about the risk Kennedy poses, ‘because they cozied up to him and thought it was funny.’”

Watch WIVBTV’s report on Kennedy’s trip to New York below or at this link.

READ MORE: Trump Won’t Commit to Accepting Election Results if He Doesn’t Win State He Falsely Claims He Won

 

 

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2020 AlterNet Media.