There is a disturbing trend of rightwing states and rightwing politicians in more moderate states of attempting to opt out of Federal laws.
So it should come as no surprise that it would be an Oklahoma Republican looking to exempt his state from abiding by the new Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. And although this disgusting display of support for violence isn't likely to come of much, it's still a symbol of the Christian right's desire to advocate for violence against GLBT Americans from the pulpit, behind closed doors, in the street, and on dark country roads.
State Sen. Steve Russell, R-Oklahoma City, said the newly passed Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act... oversteps the bounds of the federal government and hinders free speech and religious freedom.
“The law is very vague to begin with,” Russell said. “Sexual orientation is a very vague word that could be extended to extremes like necrophilia.”
Russell said he is also concerned if someone is attacked and killed for his or her sexual orientation, the suspect could pass the blame onto a religious leader who preached out against the lifestyle of the victim who was attacked.
Russell said, as a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, he is upset that the new hate crimes bill was attached to a defense spending bill.
...
"if you voted against the hate crimes act, it made you look like you were voting against the troops.”
Russell said Oklahoma can opt out of the law on the basis of the 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
Disgusting. Here's a picture of this revolting and disturbed rightwing Christian bigot, so you can put a face with his hate. Of course notice the creepy intense staring eyes so common with these fundamentalists.
Here's his office number if you want to tell him what you think of him and his views:
405.521.5618