Baptist Newspaper Apologizes For Henry Error

The Baptist Messenger's editors have issued an apology to Governor Henry for erroneously attaching his name to Rep. Sally Kern's controversial morality proclamation.

The document says the United States is forsaking its Christian heritage to become a world leader in various forms of debauchery.

The Baptist newspaper printed Kern's proclamation and attached part of an old proclamation signed by Henry, making it look like the Democratic governor endorses the language in the document.

It was an Oklahoma City social blog, The Lost Ogle, that first reported the incident.

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Group Endorses Kern's Morality Proclamation

From The House Media Division ~ A diverse group of state leaders gathered today to sign a “proclamation for morality” that notes the moral foundations of the nation and declares the need for spiritual renewal to address many societal problems.

“The foundational documents of our Republic repeatedly note the need for a free people to also be a moral people to truly prosper,” said Rep. Sally Kern, R-Oklahoma City. “You cannot fully address social issues without also addressing spiritual needs.”

A group that included business leaders, civic leaders and religious leaders, in addition to lawmakers, signed the proclamation today.

[As people signed the proclamation written by Kern opponents began chanting, “Shame on you!” and “Love thy neighbor!”

[About 250 people gathered at the rally to add their signatures to the proclamation. It declares the need for a spiritual renewal in the nation to address societal problems.

[Those backing the proclamation responded by singing “God Bless America,” one news account reported.

[The peaceful but loud exchange that rang through the first-floor rotunda went on for several minutes, causing Kern and others to prematurely stop the event and move a news conference to a press room.

[Supporters outnumbered protesters. The event ended as many on both sides sang the national anthem.]

The proclamation – which takes much of its wording from historic documents such as the Declaration of Independence, the writings of the Founding Fathers and the Oklahoma Constitution – notes the “people of Oklahoma have a strong tradition of reliance upon the Creator of the Universe” and declares the signers “believe our economic woes are consequences of our greater national moral crisis,” noting negative social trends such as increased out of wedlock births and child abuse.

The proclamation concludes by declaring the need for Oklahomans to “acknowledge the need for a national awakening of righteousness” in order to “secure and perpetuate the blessing of Liberty.”

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Kern Bill Banishes Teacher Politicking

A bill by Rep. Sally Kern, R-Oklahoma City, would prevent Oklahoma educators from being forced to listen to political addresses during “professional days” or other official school activities.

House Bill 2161 makes it illegal to distribute material at professional meetings “for the purpose of influencing the results of an election for state or local office or a ballot measure or for the purpose of soliciting funds for or against a candidate for state or local office or a ballot measure.”

The bill also states that school district officials and employee organizations are not allowed to promote a candidate for office “at an in-service or other similar teacher meeting.”

“Professional development days should be spent helping teachers hone job skills, not creating a captive audience for a political cause favored by an administrator or special-interest group,” said Kern, an Oklahoma City Republican and former teacher. “Our schools should be centers of learning, not rally organizers for politicians.”

She noted that some schools have used professional days to advocate for ballot initiatives advanced by special interest groups, such as the measure legalizing casinos in 2004.

“Oklahoma’s teachers are smart enough to research political questions and decide for themselves how they want to vote,” Kern said. “They don’t need to waste school time on non-school activities.”

The bill passed on a bipartisan 12-0 vote in the House Common Education Committee. It now goes to the floor of the House.

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Kern Gun 'Oversight' At Capitol

By John Greiner/Capitol Bureau, The Oklahoman ~ State Rep. Sally Kern was stopped from carrying a gun into the Capitol today in an incident that she and state troopers describe as an accidental oversight on her part.

Not realizing she had her pistol, Kern started into the Capitol Wednesday, was turned back and allowed to put the weapon into her automobile, she confirmed.

Capt. Chris West of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol said she was asked to secure her weapon outside when guards discovered that she had a weapon in her purse.

"I'm out of the habit of being at the Capitol, had a meeting at 10 a.m.," Kern said.

She put her purse on the security machine that X-rays purses and other bags of people coming into the Capitol. That's when the gun was discovered.

She has a permit to carry a concealed weapon, West said.

"We didn't feel like that was a malicious act," West said.

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Henry Vetoes Religious Viewpoints Act

Governor Henry today vetoed a controversial measure to protect religion in schools.

Henry vetoed House Bill 2633, called the "Religious Viewpoints Antidiscrimination Act," by Senator James A. Williamson, R-Tulsa, and Rep. Sally Kern, R-Oklahoma City.

The bill states that "students may express their beliefs about religion in homework, artwork and other written and oral assignments free from discrimination based on the religious content of their submissions. Homework and classroom assignments shall be judged by ordinary academic standards of substance and relevance and against other legitimate pedagogical concerns identified by the school district. Students shall not be penalized or rewarded on account of the religious content of their work."

Henry said students are already allowed to express their faith through voluntary prayer and other activities. He said the legislation is well-intended, but vague and "may trigger a number of unintended consequences that actually impede rather than enhance such expression."

Schools could be forced to provide equal time to fringe groups that masquerade as religions and advocate behaviors such as hate speech.

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Kern, Terrill Draw Opponents; Cargill Guessing Game Continues

Rep. Sally Kern, R-Oklahoma City, whose comments about homosexuals earlier this year touched off a firestorm, today drew an opponent in Ron Marlett, a Democrat from Warr Acres. He had said he thought the past several years about seeking the House seat that covers western Oklahoma City, but Kern's comments — which included her calling homosexuality the biggest threat facing America — gave him the impetus to seek the post.

Former House Speaker Lance Cargill, R-Harrah, who stepped down from the speaker's position earlier this year because of personal tax problems, has said he would seek re-election. He hasn't filed so far. However, he's picked up a Democratic opponent, Dianne Hunter of Edmond. Hunter's husband, Dr. David Hunter, was the Democratic nominee in 2006 for the 5th Congressional District seat.

Rep. Randy Terrill, R-Moore, the author of the state's immigration law, picked up an opponent today. Troy Green, a Democrat from Oklahoma City, said he filed against Terrill "because it needs to be done."

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Religious Freedom Bill Goes To Henry

Legislation that would guarantee that Oklahoma students who express religious views at school are granted the same protections as students expressing secular views was sent to Governor Henry today.

House Bill 2633, by Rep. Sally Kern, declares that students may "express their beliefs about religion in homework, artwork, and other written and oral assignments" without being penalized or rewarded as long as their viewpoint is on the otherwise permissible topic.

Under the bill, the otherwise permissible topic is always decided by the school.

"This bill simply ensures that students' First Amendment rights are protected," said Kern, R-Oklahoma City.

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Eagle Forum Honors Sally Kern

The Eagle Forum has named Republican Rep. Sally Kern as "Eagle of the Week because of her tremendous courage over the last couple of weeks," the group announced today.

"Her strong stance for family values stirred the hearts of the nearly 3000 who turned out to support Rep. Kern in a time of great pressure. Thank you Rep. Kern for not backing down and for standing for truth even at a high cost to your family and personal safety. You have Eagle Forum's support."

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'Rally For Sally' Packs State Capitol

Today's "Rally For Sally," held to show support for Rep. Sally Kern, drew a huge crowd to the State Capitol. Crowd estimates ranged from 1,000 to 1,600, considerably more than an anti-Kern rally staged by homosexual rights advocates drew recently.

Kern has been under fire by homosexual activists for remarks she made condemning the homosexual lifestyle. Those remarks, taped by a representative of The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund and aired on YouTube, created a nationwide firestorm of criticism of Kern, who subsequently received death threats and numerous crude emails containing obscentities.

The Associated Press pegged the crowd at "more than 1,000," while a member of the Capitol police force estimated it at "Fifteen, sixteen hundred maybe." KFOR-TV estimated the crowd at "2,000 or more."

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Today's Capitol Event: 'Rally For Sally'

Today's "Rally For Sally" at the State Capitol apparently will draw a large crowd, planners say. The event, called to support Rep. Sally Kern, R-Oklahoma City, is sponsored by a coalition of conservative and religious groups.

The noon rally inside the Capitol is being held in response to an anti-Kern rally held by those who disagreed with Kern's recent controversial remarks about the homosexual lifestyle.

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'Rally For Sally' Planners Expect Huge Crowd For Wednesday Noon Capitol Event

Planners of Wednesday's "Rally For Sally" in support of Rep. Sally Kern say today they expect a huge turnout for the event, scheduled at Noon inside the State Capitol. There are no indications that Capitol security is being enhanced for the event, but observers expect officers will be more visible than usual.

A coalition of religious and conservative groups put the event together in response to a demonstration by homosexual activists who were protesting Kern's recent remarks about the homosexual lifestyle.

Master of ceremonies will be Reid Mullins, host of radio station KTOK's morning show.

Among the groups involved are the Concerned Women of America, Oklahoma Conservative Political Action Committee, the Eagle Forum and members of the Oklahoma Family Policy Council and other groups, including what is said to be a large coalition of church pastors.

Concerned Women for America (CWA) issued a statement in which leader said its members "will join over 50 pastors in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to rally support for State Representative Sally Kern (R-Oklahoma City) and her right to free speech. Recently, Rep. Kern has been under attack from radical homosexual activists and their followers over remarks she made regarding the homosexual agenda.

"Rep. Kern took a Biblical stand against homosexual activism and has refused to back down from her statements despite receiving death threats. CWA applauds Rep. Kern for continuing to be steadfast and resolute in this fight against the homosexual agenda and for shedding light on the threat it poses to our nation.

"Rep. Kern has been quoted as saying that the homosexual agenda is dangerous “because it destroys the basic moral fiber of this nation, which is traditional marriage and the traditional family.” She couldn’t be more right.

"Matt Barber, CWA’s Policy Director for Cultural Issues, said, 'There are certainly those who hate Rep. Kern. They’ve made that perfectly clear with vicious personal attacks and even death threats. But millions of Americans proudly stand alongside Sally Kern and say, ‘Thank you. Thank you for boldly standing your ground and for unapologetically defending Biblical Truth.’ They intended to make an example of her. They have, but not in the way they had hoped. She has set an example for millions of believers around the world. Her courage and refusal to deviate from God’s unequivocal condemnation of sexual immorality is serving to galvanize and embolden others. People say, ‘Well Sally Kern wasn’t intimidated, why should I be?’'

CWA of Oklahoma State Director, Linda Caswell, said “Rep. Kern has exercised her right to free speech and has spoken boldly about the effects of homosexuality on our families and on our nation. We strongly encourage everyone to come to the rally and show your support for Rep. Kern. Let others know that we will not back down from taking a Biblical stand on the moral issues facing our state and our nation today.”

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Jason Murphey Supports Sally Kern

Republican Rep. Jason Murphey of Guthrie said today he supports embattled Rep. Sally Kern and agrees with her recent criticism of the homosexual lifestyle.

In a prepared statement, Murphey said, "There has been a lot of nationwide attention paid to State Representative Sally Kern's comments regarding what is becoming an obviously well financed and planned attack on traditional family values. Those behind this effort have gone on the attack and suggested that Kern is a hateful person who should resign from office.

"Based on my experience as a member of the House, I believe there are few legislators kinder or more caring than Kern. She is the last person in the House I would think of as hateful. Her soft-spoken kindness may initially mask the fact that she unafraid to fight for what she believes is right. Whether it is asking the tough questions or just being one of the first lawmakers to post a vote against inappropriate spending, she is not afraid to take a tough stand.

"Two years ago, Kern learned that books endorsing the homosexual lifestyle could be made available in the children's section of Oklahoma public libraries. She led the fight to require libraries to segregate these books to keep them away from children. To this date, Kern has been firmly resolved to expose the agenda that places these types of materials in front of our children.

"As part of this ongoing effort, Kern has given a presentation to various groups in which she talks about this agenda and posits that if the homosexual lifestyle is allowed to expand by being openly marketed to our youth, a grave threat is posed to our society. Kern believes, as do I, that America's greatness is because of traditional Judeo-Christian family values. I believe that children need and desire the traditional family environment. Because of the attack on traditional values, too often our children are not being raised in stable households, which is what they so badly need.

"I see this firsthand as a member of the Human Services Committee where I serve with Rep. Kern. Because of the breakdown of the family, there are now 19,000 children in state custody.

"As a member of the Corrections Committee, I know that Oklahoma prisons are filled to capacity and the government struggles to deal with the fallout from the lack of adherence to traditional values.

"There are no easy solutions to these problems because the massive cost falls upon the taxpayers, but these challenges, if left unchecked, will eventually betoo large for the government to handle.

"Rep. Kern has come under attack for suggesting that the breakdown of family values poses a grave threat to our society. Despite enormous pressure, she has courageously refused to back down from her beliefs.

"I appreciate and agree with her stand and consider it an honor to be able to serve with her in the Legislature."

A "Rally For Sally" to support Kern will be held Wednesday at noon inside the State Capitol.

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TMRO Poll Results

Fifty-six percent of those who participated in TMRO's poll about Rep. Sally Kern's remarks disagree with the assertion her remarks, and the state's new immigration law, have hurt the state nationally, while 36 percent agree and 9 percent say Kern's remarks hurt while the immigration law has not.

The poll asked, It's been said Oklahoma's new immigration law and Sally Kern's remarks have made Oklahoma a national laughing stock. Agree...or disagree? (and provided these possible answers:) Agree. Disagree. Kern Yes, Immigration law No. Immigration law Yes, Kern No.

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Online Polls Measure Kern Controversy

The McCarville Report Online and Oklahoma Political News Service are among Oklahoma Internet sites seeking today to measure the opinions of readers about the Rep. Sally Kern controversy.

TMRO's poll is posted on the right side of this page and asks, "It's been said Oklahoma's new immigration law and Sally Kern's remarks have made Oklahoma a national laughing stock. Agree...or disagree?" (and provides these possible answers:) Agree. Disagree. Kern Yes, Immigration law No. Immigration law Yes, Kern No. Thus far in this poll, with 65 votes recorded, 60 percent disagree, 29 percent agree, 11 percent voted Kern Yes, Immigration Law No, and none have voted Immigration Law Yes, Kern No.

The OKPNS poll asks, "Is Sally Kern's position on homosexual activism correct?" (and provides these possible answers:) Yes, her views represent those of the majority of her consituents, and she should stand her ground. No, her views constitute "hate speech," and should not be tolerated. Other - Please explain in the comment section. (To participate in the OKPNS poll, go to http://www.okpns.com/.) Thus far in this poll, with 66 votes recorded, 47 percent say No, 47 percent say Yes and 4 percent say Other.

Neither of the polls is scientific and should not be construed as measuring general public opinion; the votes simply reflect the opinions of the few who take the time to vote.

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Activist Urges Big Kern Turnout On Wednesday

Conservative activist Bunny Chambers (pictured), leader of the Oklahoma Eagle Forum, said today that "The Rally for Sally and Christian Free Speech" will be at the State Capitol in the First Floor Rotunda on Wednesday at noon and she urged attendees to begin arriving at 11:15 A.M. "as there are delays at the security checkpoints when large numbers of people come to the Capitol."

The rally is being held as a counter-point to criticism of Rep. Sally Kern following her remarks critical of the homosexual lifestyle.

"The program will only take about 30 minutes then you can drop off cards to Rep. Kern's office, Speaker Chris Benge's office and Governor Henry's office," Chambers said.

"Please plan on attending and bring your Sunday School class, co-workers and friends with you. Please encourage your entire congregation to join you in attendance. Also, call and encourage your own State Representative (1-800-522-8502) and State Senator (1-405-524-0126) and encourage them to attend. Call Governor Henry's office and ask him to attend.

"In 2004, the people of Oklahoma overwhelmingly (76%-24%) spoke out in support of Traditional Family Values by approving the definition of marriage as being between ONE MAN and ONE WOMAN. Now those values are under attack again by those desiring to devalue marriage and devalue the Word of God. Anyone who dares to speak out in favor of Biblical Values and traditional marriage is accused of 'hate speech' and intimidated into silence.

"Let's pack the Capitol with thousands of people to Stand with Sally and Stand for the Traditional Family."

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News Media Ignoring 'Rally For Sally'?

Is the Oklahoma news media, which devoted considerable space and airtime to stories about attacks on Rep. Sally Kern following her remarks about homosexuals, ignoring a rally planned by her supporters?

The Oklahoma Family Policy Council announced in an email late Tuesday that a "Rally For Sally" will be held on April 2nd at the State Capitol. Thus far, only Oklahoma City radio station KTOK and The McCarville Report Online have reported the event.

The Oklahoman and the Tulsa World, which made protests about Kern's remarks front-page news and reported extensively on a rally protesting her remarks, have yet to mention the pro-Kern event.

Oklahoma City television stations, which made the Kern protests top-of-the-newscast stories for days, apparently have yet to report on the event.

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AFT President Rips Kern Attackers

Peter LaBarbera, president of Americans for Truth, has condemned what he described as "the unprecedented campaign of vilification against Oklahoma State Representative Sally Kern (R), which forced her to have a bodyguard and endure vicious smears against her –– and even her son’s –– character based on an edited version of a speech that was put online by a homosexual activist group.

“The homosexual activist movement engages in hatred and mean-spirited attacks –– in the name of tolerance,” LaBarbera said. “In the name of fighting discrimination, they are trying to destroy a good woman who voiced her Christian belief that activism based on immoral sexual conduct is destructive to America, and harmful to children. Homosexual militants have even sunk so low as to falsely accuse Kern’s son, Jesse, of being a homosexual to embarrass her.”

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Report: Kern Gets Conservative Help

From OneNewsNow.com ~ Conservative groups are rushing to the defense of an Oklahoma lawmaker who has been branded a "gay basher" for decrying the homosexual lifestyle.

Oklahoma State Representative Sally Kern (R) sparked an angry uproar in many liberal circles recently when she declared that "the homosexual agenda is destroying the nation" and is a bigger threat to the U.S. than terrorism or Islam. She also stated that "studies show that no society that has totally embraced homosexuality has lasted more than a few decades." Kern has subsequently said she meant to say "generations" instead of "decades." (See earlier story)

After a homosexual activist group posted her comments on YouTube, Kern has been accused of homophobia, bigotry and "Republican hate speech," among other things.

Peter LaBarbera with the conservative group Americans for Truth About Homosexuality says a "torrent of homosexual hate" was unleashed against Representative Kern, including some messages threatening physical harm, prompting her to hire a bodyguard.

According to LaBarbera, those attacking Kern did some "careful editing" to a secretly recorded copy of her speech. "For example, they left out the part where she says, 'The book that I base my life upon is God's Word, and it says to love everybody -- and I try to love everybody, but not everybody's lifestyle is equal.' Well," he continues, "they just started with the part where it says 'not everybody's lifestyle is equal.' They didn't want to have Sally Kern on tape saying that she loves everybody."

The Americas for Truth spokesman argues that the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, which posted the redacted version of her speech, is trying to make example of Kern. "They are trying to show that if you speak out forcefully against the gay agenda in this country, that you will be demonized [and that] this flood of hate will be unleashed against you -- and that's what they did," he states.

LaBarbera says although it is debatable that the homosexual agenda is a larger threat than terrorism, most social conservatives would agree that homosexual activism is a threat to the U.S.

The Thomas More Law Center has agreed to represent Kern should she face any legal action for her comments.

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Family Policy Council Announces 'Rally For Sally'

A public "Rally for Sally" is scheduled for Wednesday, April 2 at the State Capitol, beginning at 11:30 a.m., the Oklahoma Family Policy Council announced.

Rep. Sally Kern, R-Oklahoma City, "has received much public scorn and ridicule (including death threats) from the homosexual community in Oklahoma and across the nation for comments she made in January during a private meeting taking exception to the transformational, anti-family political and cultural agenda of the homosexual movement," the OFPC announcement said.

"Last week, Oklahoma homosexuals and liberal religious leaders held a rally at the state Capitol, calling on state leaders to pass hate-crimes legislation, consistent with the national aims of the gay movement. (Of course, this whole spectacle with Kern was planned and orchestrated by homosexual movement leaders themselves, who have been working secretly since last December to further their political agenda in Oklahoma.)

"Now, Oklahoma citizens are asked to come to the state Capitol to express their support for Kern and for her willingness to affirm traditional, Judeo-Christian values in the public square, at great personal cost.

"Kern's biblically-based values, which are commonly held by an exceedingly large majority of Oklahomans, affirm marriage exclusively between one-man and one-woman and reject the homosexuals' misguided attempts to criminalize the hard-won First Amendment rights of Americans to free exercise of religion and free speech."

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Social Worker Wants To Oppose Kern

Oklahoma City Democrat Ron Marlett, a Democrat, said today he will seek his party's nomination to oppose Republican Rep. Sally Kern this fall.

Marlett, 59, made his announcement during a news conference held by the Oklahoma Democratic Party at the Capitol.

Kern won the District 84 seat in 2004 by defeating a Democrat challenger with 67.65 percent of the vote. She ran unopposed in 2006.

Marlett, a social worker at Community Pathways Unlimited, said he had thought about running for the House seat the past couple years, but Kern's recent controversial comments about homosexuals helped him decide to seek the post now.

"I've just been concerned for some time about the damage done by extremes," Marlett said.

Marlett said he disagreed with Kern's views, "but I firmly believe that people have the right to express what they think. I do not believe people have the right to incite violence with their free speech. There are limits to it."

Kern enters the election year with $8,622 in cash on hand, a transfer from her 2006 campaign fund to her 2008 campaign fund, Ethics Commission records show.

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