Thursday, July 1, 2010
GOP aims to criminalize homosexuality
Posted by Jessica Mayrer on Thu, Jul 1, 2010 at 10:00 AM
Montana’s Republican Party adopted a platform on June 19 that calls to criminalize homosexuality.
“We support the clear will of the people of Montana expressed by legislation to keep homosexual acts illegal,” the platform states.
As word spread of the GOP’s stance, multiple commentators lined up to attack it. Jed Lewison from the Daily Kos reported on the platform under the subject line, “American Taliban, thriving in Montana.” Lewison then linked to Towleroad, Andy Towle's queer blog. Closer to home, jhwygirl at 4&20 Blackbirds didn't pull any punches in her write-up.
“I am beyond disgusted with this kind of stuff,” she wrote. “It’s no government’s business what anyone does in their bedroom."
We touched base with Montana GOP Chairman Will Deschamps, pictured here, in hopes of better understanding his party’s stance on homosexuality.
When reached by phone Wednesday afternoon, Deschamps confirmed that at last two thirds of the Republican Party’s approximately 99 delegates—comprised of central committee members, state legislators and Republican Party candidates—voted in favor of criminalizing homosexual acts.
“Well, obviously there’s a belief in the Republican Party that those sorts of actions should be illegal,” Deschamps says. “The majority of the people feel that it should be outlawed.”
The move reaffirmed of the party’s 2008 platform. And, Deschamps says, this time around the issue didn’t cause much of a stir.
“As I recall there was very little discussion when that came to the floor,” he says. “It went through very rapidly.”
Until 1997 Montana statute made it a felony for two people of the same gender to have sexual contact. Those prosecuted under the law faced 10 years in prison and a $50,000 fine. Montana’s Supreme Court struck down the statute in 1997, declaring it a violation of Montana’s constitutional right to privacy. But the Legislature never actually repealed the law, and it remains on the books.
Deschamps says while Montana Republicans advocate criminalizing sexual activity between people of the same sex, the GOP isn't pushing for any specific punishment. State representatives would be left to find a fitting penalty. “I guess that would be up to the Legislature," he said. "Political parties don’t establish punishments.”
Despite heat from left-leaning critics, Deschamps says the GOP has no intention of altering its position.
“It’s the platform that was adopted by the Montana Republican Party," he says. "And that’s the way it will stand.”
Comments (38)
Showing 1-38 of 38
If this passes I think it should be illegal for republicans to have sex just to be fair :)
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I wonder how on earth we are expected to enforce this legislation? Are we to invade people's homes and monitor their nocturnal activities? Are we to spy on our neighbors and report any "suspected" outlawed sexual behavior? What is to be the cost of this new "third reich" inspired idea?
Doesn't seem very well thought through to me...in fact it seems moronic.
thanks~! I wonder when they will adopt a platform to start wearing grey uniforms with knee high boots?
So, I guess it's official. EVERY Republican in MT is a homophobe and a bigot. Unless they demand the removal of this plank from their party's platform. Asshats.
So how come they feel it should be illegal for 2 men or 2 women to have sex with each other, but it's ok to cheat on their wives or husbands, whichever?
I thought the Republicans were against Big Government intruding into people's lives. Apparently, their real interest is to keep Big Government out of pockets, not out of bedrooms. So much for freedom and liberty, not to mention privacy!
I think they should get together and describe, in graphic detail, the exact acts of homosexuality they want to outlaw. Then have a SURPRISE BONER INSPECTION! See how many of these Buckaroos are aroused by all this naughty gay sex talk. Yeah. That's an awesome plan.
what is the rpublicans going to do about all those gay right wing christian leaders thumping the bible each day, about moral bvehavior? Is there any more hypocrociy than in Montana's republican party anywhere? Get a life! This is year 2010, not 1810!
Shame on you, GOP. Shame on anyone with beliefs like this.
It seems to me that every person I've ever met, of this mindset, has been religious in nature. Usually, they bring god into the matter of homosexuality, and often they'll pull out the bible quotes. And that's fine, but you can't just pick and choose which parts of the bible to read, follow and then profess. Not one of these people have ever quoted to me my personal favorite:
7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
7:2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
7:3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 7:4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? 7:5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.
I'm not Christian, but I'm just sayin'....
Well, JCM, I AM a Christian, but I believe in reading the WHOLE book not just the parts that allow for my behavior and not someone elses! If the right wing extreme evangelicals really want to enforce "the law" then they need to start in their own backyard... How many of their women have gone to church without their head covered...how many of them have worn clothes made of multiple fabrics... or how many have masturbated in their lives and "spilled their seed". ALL are punishable sins if you want to apply the OLD testament. But Christ came to "fullfill the law". He NEVER, I repeat, NEVER, even mentioned same sex activities. How dare the republican party claim to protect the religious truth. They are protecting religious drivvel.
I agree with you completely, Frank. It's an all or nothing kind of a book. Even though I'm not Christian myself, it saddens me to see anyone put such an ugly image on top of something beautiful like religion.
Please don't get me wrong. I know very well that not all Christians use the book only to justify themselves and condemn others. I have a great deal of respect for Christianity and its true followers. I'm from a large family of Catholics, all but maybe two of which are wonderful Christians. Those two have a habit of spouting the religious drivel you spoke of. There will always be those bad seeds in any religion.
If I implied any distaste for Christianity in general, it was not intended. :)
There are definitely many schools of thought regarding Christian morals and principles. Some are wonderful and very positive...and others, such as the above case, are oppressive and seek only to have their own idea of what is "right" made into a doctrine all others must follow...and we all know from experience that this never ends well (Inquisition being a good example). I sincerely hope that this extreme version of Christian thought does not prevail in our laws.
It's so amusing when a party makes such an awful name for itself... to bad they can't do it without trying to bring the rest of down with them. I sure wish people would quite preaching along party doctrine; be it democratic, libertarian, republican, anarchist, commie or whatever. FREE SPEECH = FREE MIND. Start thinking for yourselves. If it doesn't directly make YOU bleed, threaten YOUR health, or DIRECTLY violate YOUR RIGHTS to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; wtf should YOU care what people do in their PRIVATE LIVES? Isn't one of the PRIMARY tenants of Christianity LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR??? The hell happened? IF YOU don't like what homosexuals do, don't F*** one.
Homosexuality is an abomination in the eyes of God. In these last days, "The good will be viewed as bad and the bad will be viewed as good." This seems to be the case, any more. Our country was founded on wholesome, Christian beliefs: "One nation, under God..." Ring a bell? But I'm wondering if this proposed law is truly a Christian-based idea. After all, what happened to separation of church and state? And who really cares what people do behind closed doors? Perhaps one can liken it to the woman who is against abortion - you know, the one who has had an abortion. Or the evangelical preacher who speaks out against pornography - and has a closet full of porn mags for "research." I say live and let live. Loosely translated, that means people need to mind their own business.
I agree this is moronic! How would they all like their houses monitored and controlled as to what they can do with the and girlfriends... I cannot believe we r trying to go back to a more archaic way of thinking then we already have... homosexual people have just as much right to love and be with someone as any straight person and noone should be able to say otherwise or tell them they cant... I thought we were supposed to be progressing as a whole not regressing. Noone in this country should be penalized for who they love doesnt that in some way go against the second commandment...
Ok, this is spoken from some one who is OPENLY GAY. What the hell is wrong with you people? Why is anything that I do in my personal life any of your F***ing business? Now, anyone who is religious... Congratulations. You have found your GOD. I am HAPPY for you! And that is what he is... YOUR GOD! Do not drag me through or preach to me about what your GOD or what your Crackpot Imaginative Story says.
I am an atheist. I do not believe your fallacy of what humans from the Christ era "claim" what happened. Lets face facts... Technically, you cannot prove that the bible is the word of GOD. No matter how hard you try... there is always that one problem that gets into the way. HUMANS wrote the bible. Yes, yes... It maybe the word of GOD, but, have you heard of human error?!? We tend to screw a lot of things up. I mean seriously, it seems like human screw up almost everything they do before they get it right! It usually seems that religion plays a BIG part in a lot of major screw ups! PLUS... In order to be religious, you basically give up all forms of logic! Thus being why most devout religious people tend to be the most illogical and the most uneducated on the truth!
Come on people! People are going to fight this to the bitter end! Straight homophobes against GLBT rights and Gay and Straight for LGBT rights. Republicans may win this battle, but they are obviously loosing the WAR! I am just wanting to know when Politicians are going to argue over something worth while... like the BP oil spill, or the high drop out rate out of high school, getting out of the Middle East. How about talking about our TOO strong of a vice grip hold on oil... and reducing our dependence on foreign oil... or just oil in general! We do not need to argue over religion... or where I place MY DICK!! That is MY BUSINESS!! Plus... has anyone ever heard of that part of the Constitution that states "Separation of Church and State"? Or did anyone even read this line from the Constitution: "No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws."
Religion can be a great thing, IF PRACTICED THE WAY IT IS SUPPOSE TO BE! All religions are usually ALL or NOTHING! SO, if your not going to a Cafeteria Christian, and pick and choose what your going to believe in... shut the F*** up! If your misconstruing so much of what you GOD really said... You would see that you ARE NOT actually practicing what you PREACH! GET IT RIGHT HYPOCRITES! Let me leave you with this quote: Who are you to judge the life I live? I am not perfect, and I don't live to be. But before you start pointing fingers, make damn sure your hands are clean too!!
A Concerned GAY Montanan Citizen for my RIGHTS!
I'm not sure how the comment section got hijacked to the bashing of the Christian faith. I re-read the article and there is no mention of church, God or Christianity. There is mention of Republicans and the GOP. Perhaps the comments should relate to the article. I'm afraid that those who do not will have perpetrated what many have said the Christians have done...twisted words to what they want instead of what the Bible teaches or in this case...the purpose of the article.
I take issue with a couple of points in the article......."We touched base with Montana GOP Chairman Will Deschamps,....., in hopes of better understanding his party’s stance on homosexuality." What is there to touch base on? It's pretty straight forward, pardon the pun. This is not new thinking to the GOP platform. While I believe it does need to be reported, why a "hope of better understanding." Secondly, I am sick of the defense line “It’s no government’s business what anyone does in their bedroom." Reducing the lives of gay folks to a single act. Montana LGBTQI citizenry pay taxes, vote and contribute to the gross productivity of this State. They have always been members of the human fabric of Montana. The GOP brings shame to this State with their obsessive need to divide and blame certain populations for the real problems and needs we Montana's face. Problems and needs the GOP have no intentions of addressing. They prefer to puff up their chest in false morality. Shame on them. Also, shame on the Independent for shoddy reporting.
Come on missionalsojourner.... with Conservatives and Republicans, when is it not about their religion or faith?!? Conservatives and Republicans tend to be the most narrow minded on this subject period, and they tend to be the most preachy and bible thumping people around! Like I said, they are the most Illogical and uneducated on most subjects because their "RELIGION" gets in the WAY!!!
If you would have properly read my article... I stood UP for religion and said that if you practice it right, the way it SUPPOSE to be, it can be a GOOD thing. But... like most improperly practicing Christians, I say one bad thing, and all you see is that one bad thing. You obviously fail to see my point or what the HELL I am talking about. I don't care that this article does not say anything about Religion. I have read through articles and statements of a lot of Republicans serving in MT. YES... RELIGION does play a GIGANTIC part in the belief system, how they make their choices. Sadly enough, there are a lot of GAY REPUBLICANS out there! I don't think that this is the clear will of them! There is a lot of closeted GAY Republicans out there that should stop hating on us... because they hate themselves SO MUCH! Also, it is how they perceive what is true or false, right and wrong, or what "SCIENCE" is really all about! Pay attention and actually read all newspaper articles. You might actually notice this!
So don't TELL me that I am just MERELY bashing Christianity! Yes... I did bash it slightly, and that is MY OPINION!! If you expect me to respect your opinion... GROW UP and also RESPECT my opinion! Remember... there is always two sides to any opinion! The reason why I always get upset is people are trying to make law about WHO I have sex with. I guess we should then go back to interracial marriage being ILLEGAL make slavery legal again in the State of MT! DON'T even tell me that that is NOT the same thing.... BECAUSE IT IS!! A stupid law based on someones race, creed, color, national origin, sex, political affiliation, sexual orientation or beliefs is actually ILLEGAL in this State, and the USA!
We are in 2010. We need to be progressing forward. Not trying to regress backward! Everyone needs to GROW UP and stop acting like a 5 yr old. AH HELL, now I am demeaning 5 yr olds! People... quit saying "I want my country back!" NO... confused ones, I WANT MY COUNTRY FORWARD!
Concerned GAY Montanan Citizen for MY RIGHTS!
i for one am 100% in favor of what the GOP is standing for..it does say multiple times in the bible, both the old testament and the new testament that man laying with man is an abomination in the eyes of the Lord! His law should be what we strive towards, rather than man's law! i know that my church will be happy to hear of this...for a change politicians are doing what's right instead of what's popular!
Don't suffer any witches to live either, will you. Stone them or burn them or whatever you want to do. Would you like a law banning divorce too? And how about a ban on religious freedome seeing as you want the government to impose religious doctrines on those who don't believe them. Hope you're following the Law to the letter or they'll be coming for you next, but just remember without love you are nothing.
Geez! For real Montana?
Thank goodness there is some predictions that humans won't be around in over 100 years from now. But with that said, god does not hate...period!
And for a little history lesson for those claiming the U.S. was founded on Christianity, that's certainly twisting the truth. This country was founded by those running FROM religious persecution and ideology, NOT on the founding of Christianity to the Americas.
At that time their were many faiths and religious doctrines. Many faiths were not in line with each other. Not everyone saw eye to eye on their faith. One religion was not more superior to the other.
Our forefathers fought to allow man the freedom to choose any beliefs without persecution even non-believers.
Thomas Jefferson, a man of personal faith but not of organized religion said, "I never submitted the whole system of my opinions to the creed of any party of men whatever in religion, in philosophy, in politics, or in anything else where I was capable of thinking for myself. Such an addiction is the last degradation of a free and moral agent."
-Thomas Jefferson, letter to Francis Hopkinson, March 13, 1789
Thomas Jefferson often argued that man and his beliefs often worked against the common good of the people. In a letter to Richard Price on Jan. 8, 1789, Jefferson wrote, "I concur with you strictly in your opinion of the comparative merits of atheism and demonism, and really see nothing but the latter in the being worshipped by many who think themselves Christians." (Richard Price had written to TJ on Oct. 26. about the harm done by religion and wrote "Would not Society be better without Such religions? Is Atheism less pernicious than Demonism?")
People are always doing re-visionist history. If you don't know your facts, go back to school and hit the history books...and not the ones from Texas. It is not man's job to judge...it is only in the eyes of God that he makes that judgment. That is why man excels in hypocrisy!
A fundamental truth is that the most virulent homophobes are those who have rather strong homosexual drives and are struggling for whatever arcane reason, against them. Can these unfortunate homophobic homosexuals be cured and allowed to enjoy their true leanings?
But the majority of the Montana Republican Party is latent, stuggling homosexual? I have always thought they were rather queer as a group but the majority???
I don't see why being homosexual is a big deal...I mean it's not like we're hurting anyone. We don't hit on straight people, we don't force you to talk to us, and we certainly haven't done anything illegal. Saying that 2 men or 2 women can't have sex is like saying that sex is illegal. How can sex be illegal?? I think it's just going to far. Even if you make homosexual acts illegal and we end up in jail...it's not like we're going to stop the homosexual acts just because we're in prison. So really it's all very pointless and the Montana Republican Party just wants it's petty attention from the public.
I wonder if the state party will be visiting the locally openly gay GOP candidate and putting him in jail themselves?
Cristopherrwp21, It is very obvious that, for you, rational, sequential and logical articulation of your points is an impossibility (at least for this article).
You commented, "Conservatives and Republicans tend to be the most narrow minded on this subject period" and "Like I said, they are the most Illogical and uneducated on most subjects because their "RELIGION" gets in the WAY!!!"
So let's explore several issues...You do not know me. You do not know whether I am gay or straight. You do not know whether I am a liberal or conservative. You do not know whether I am pro-homosexuality or against homosexuality. You do not know whether. You do not know whether I am pro or con against Christianity or perhaps even an atheist myself.
What we do know is that in your ego-centric, self centered diatribe you felt that my comment was about you, when in fact the comments for the article actually became about Christians and their beliefs at about comment number 9. This was well before your comment.
In a debate you argue (debate) the points that are made and not ones that you imagine are being argued. Glacier Betty did a great job of arguing the points. This is someone I could have a drink with over a meal and enjoy the lively discussion. I may or may not agree with this person...they may or may not agree with me, but in the end it would be a hell of a conversation and when it is all said and done we may understand each other a little better.
Thanks,
Ricky
PS. Christopher in your comment you stated, "If you would have properly read my article". Just a point of clarification. You wrote a comment to an article written by Jessical Mayrer. Take your passion and zeal for the cause you believe in and write an article and perhaps the Missoula Independent will run with it.
If you feel the need to ban homosexuality than you obviously have some homosexual urges you can't seem to deal with or express so you have to punish everyone else. GOP is communist!
This entire concept is so stupid that I've lost 40 IQ points just reading about it.
WOW! What did Jesus actually say about homosexuality, as recorded in the Bible? ?
Nothing! Nothing! Nothing! You Chrisian "Moralists" who misinterpret the scriptures to justify your bigotry & hate will recieve the greater condemnation from God. Jesus preached against bigotry & hate. Most of you homophobes are homosexual closet cases; anyone with half a brain knows this to be true. Come out come out you closet queens wherever you are & be true to yourself. Jesus had the strongest words against hypocrytes. Get real & get a life.
Really! do they really have nothing better to do with their stupid ass self's that they have to resort to making it illegal to be yourself! It is NOT YOUR DAMN BUSINESS what goes on in people's personal lives, who they love, and who they have sex with. "Let's make it illegal!" they say. Wow! why don't you find a better way to help the law find sexual offenders of something worthwhile, get the scum off the streets, instead of butting into what isn't your business. what a bunch idiots. I agree with above comment! GET A LIFE.
The party of No! offers nothing of interest to me that would be of any
use in my life. I'm openly gay and I consider myself a Christian man. I
I agree with Jim and Becca on this issue, I stopped reading the bible
several years ago because I was verbally bashed by so-called
Christians who don't know the meaning of love and compassion.
What happened to love thy neighbor ? I don't see much
evidence of in the mainline Christian churches. It's nobodies
business who I have sex with or how or when or where. Montana
Republicans need to grow up, get over it and starting dealing with the
issues that really matter like the state income tax or the reduction of revenue collected from taxes that is going to cause our state to go into a budget in the
next two years. Montana Republicans if the shoe fits wear it. Walk a mile in my shoes
before you decide to mess with my lovelife and sexual partners etc.
They are NOT proposing the make homosexual acts illegal...they are proposing to keep the status quo of what is already on the books.
How can Republicans be soooo pro war ("to defend our freedom") and then turn around and want to get into something so sacred a freedom as to whom we all have sex with? Why are Republicans so obsessed with sex? Why don't they concern themselves with poverty, homelessness, bringing our troops home safely asap? Republicans seem to like to have their sex often and with whomever they choose....whether they are married or not. THAT should be crime! Work on cleaning up your own bedroom before you venture into everyone else's. If the Supreme Court has already declared this illegal, why hasn't the legislature done THEIR job and removed it from the books? More lousy Montana politicians NOT doing their jobs again!
The Montana Republican Party platform calls for formal recognition of jury nullification, the legal doctrine that recognizes that jurors may judge the merits of the law itself, and vote not guilty if their conscience so dictates. Unless the judge and prosecutor manage to stack the jury to eliminate people skeptical of the law, they couldn't even assemble a unanimous jury from the GOP platform delegates themselves, since one third of them voted against this. It takes a unanimous jury to convict, and even one juror may properly hang the jury to prevent a conviction. Basil
http://www.mtgop.org/platform.aspx
"Jury Authority
We reaffirm the principle espoused by our nation's founders that our court system belongs to the people, not the government. We recognize both the power and the moral obligation vested in juries to secure justice by judging both the facts of a case and application of the law itself. We support requiring judges to fully inform jurors of their constitutional rights and responsibilities."
Hi--I live thousands of miles from Montana, have never been there, came across this on a new site. How can any of you Montanans vote Republican? You once elected men of the calibre of Mike Mansfield and James Murray. The Republican Party of Montana, just like the present national G.O.P. isn't conservative...it is a FASCIST organization of political fascists who are also religious extremists and bigots. Conservatives like Barry Goldwater are turning over in their graves over what today's Repubicans are like. If you are a moderate or moderately conservative, there IS a place for you..it's the Democratic Party.
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