|
Compiled By GayToday
|
Des Moines, Iowa—Governor Tom Vilsack's Republican opponents in the
Iowa House have passed a bill (passed 55-43) designed to eliminate his
executive order upholding the civil rights of gay men and lesbians.
The politicians anti-gay legislation was vetoed when it reached the
governor's desk, but has been perceived as a big political stick with which the
Republicans intend to pummel him during November's elections. The anti-gay
GOP zealots lack the prerequisite number of votes to override the governor's veto.
|
 Gov. Tom Vilsack |
Rep. Norman Mundie, D-Fort Dodge, said: “This bill is partisan, it's political and
it's prejudiced. If I would be voting 'yes,' I would be basing judgment on the gay
and lesbian communities. And I feel that judgment is reserved only for God.”
Govenror Vilsack himself stated: "I am profoundly disappointed that the legislature
has chosen to invest valuable state resources to draft, debate and pass this bill.”
|
The Republican majority denies harboring political motives. Rep. Dan Boddicker,
R-Tipton, said: "I think it's unfortunate that the governor chose this issue to make
this edict on. It is offensive to many people, the precedent that this edict sets."
Rep. John Connors, D-Des Moines, replied: "It's not about how we treated homosexuals,
it's about how we treat people. Why, why are we putting ourselves through this? I don't
understand it."
Other Democrats, including Rep. Minnette Doderer, D-Iowa City, worried that the
Republican offensive could stir up anti-gay feelings and lead to violence in the state.
|
Related Stories from the GayToday Archive:
Republican Leadership Kills Hate Crimes Prevention Act
Florida -- Anti-Impeachment Rally:
'No Nookie for the GOP!'
Republican Leaders Declare War on Gay America
Related Sites:
Gov. Tom Vilsack
GayToday does not endorse related sites.
|
“We could really stir up some gay hater to do something that we would
all regret,” she said, “I don't think anyone should talk about their sexual orientation
when they are hired. We should keep it off the floor of this House and the Senate,
too, because it will encourage someone to do something we don't want.”
|
