Pastor on trial in Vt; mom still AWOL with child

[cbayer]

http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Vermont-case-involving-religion-gay-issues-begins-3767661.php

WILSON RING, Associated Press
Updated 4:47 p.m., Tuesday, August 7, 2012


BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) — A federal judge advised jurors Tuesday to remain objective as they hear evidence in a criminal case stemming from a Vermont child-custody dispute that touches on issues of religion and gay rights.

Eleven women and three men were impaneled to hear the case against Mennonite Pastor Kenneth Miller, accused of helping a woman flee the United States with her daughter rather than share custody of the child with her former lesbian partner.

Miller, 46, of Stuarts Draft, Va., is charged with aiding in international kidnapping. A conviction carries a maximum prison term of three years. The jury was selected Tuesday and court will resume with opening statements Wednesday.

Potential jurors were asked about their beliefs regarding same-sex relations, the role of religion and strongly held beliefs in society, and whether they could judge the case solely on the law and the evidence. Some in the jury pool were dismissed because they had expressed strong opinions about same-sex relationships and child custody disputes.


Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Pastor-on-trial-in-Vt-mom-still-AWOL-with-child-3767661.php#ixzz233aVYOiF

[dballance]

1. This seems rather clear

Taking a child across state and international borders without the consent of the child's guardians is illegal. That's all there really is in this case.

The motive of preventing the child from being exposed to or raised by a homosexual parent is completely irrelevant.

And don't start on me with the false equivalence arguments about wouldn't it be okay to kidnap the child and take him/her away from an abusive parent. Actually, no. It would not be okay. We have laws that make abuse illegal. If that is happening the proper course is to report the abuse to authorities. Not to kidnap someone away from a parent.

[DURHAM D]

2. Additional information re: Liberty University involvement.

http://www.rightwingwatch.org/category/people/lisa-miller

[cbayer]

3. Wow! Teaching law students that gods law supercedes the real laws?

That is insane. How are these students even going to pass the bar?

Thanks for this.

[Ednahilda]

4. Easy.

They have to know what the real law says just to pass the exam. Once they've got their papers, they can practice "god's law" which has been pounded into their heads while at their so-called university.

[cbayer]

5. Well, they better pray for like minded judges or

They are going to lose a lot of cases.

[Ednahilda]

6. That's a whole different kettle of fish.

I was only referring to passing the bar. Success in the world of law is another thing.
Speaking as an ex-fundie, true believers would not necessarily be put off by losing a lot of cases, at least not at first. They see this as evidence that the world is evil and does not see god's truth, all the more reason to keep fighting. And I suppose it's only a matter of time before some of the products of fundie law schools will eventually become judges.

[cbayer]

7. Update - Pastor Convicted in Parental Kidnapping Case

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1014194124

[DURHAM D]

8. Yeah !