Wanna Get Out of Jury Duty? Just Say You’re Gay!

[Newsjock]

Source: Talk About Equality

Over the years, we’ve thought of hundreds of ways of protesting the system which allows LGBT individuals to be second-class citizens. We’ve thought of protesting by not paying taxes – which could land you in jail. We’ve chained ourselves to the marriage bureaus – which just winds up with cut chains and a night in jail, maybe a few photos on a gay blog or two. We’ve even tried “Day Without a Gay” where LGBT people took the day off of work to show just how numerous we are – but in an economy like this one, we all need a paycheck, gay and straight alike.

Then yesterday, in a rather simple statement and wonderful declaration of his second-class citizenship, New York musical theatre actor and model, Jonathan D. Lovitz challenged one of his civic duties.

Jonathan posted on his facebook page about his experience while being considered for jury duty:

“had an intense day at jury duty. During voir dire we were asked who would not be impartial. I raised my hand and said “since I can’t get married or adopt a child in the state of New York, I can’t possibly be an impartial judge of a citizen when I am considered a second class one in the eyes of this justice system.” You wouldn’t believe how people in the room reacted. Was I wrong for saying that?”

Read more: http://talkaboutequality.wordpress.com/2011/03/02/wanna-get-out-of-jury-duty-just-say-youre-gay/

[Useless in FL]

1. Very sad

This is a sad state of affairs. Our civics lessons tell us that this is our duty to our fellow citizens - and to ourselves to participate in a jury of judging our peers. We would be denying our civil right and thereby acknowledging our second-class citizenship. This is not a humorous situation for me and only confirms that we are heading toward .... who knows what! I guess that I'm missing something here in my "advanced" age.

[mitchtv]

5. nor funny to me either

But a jury of our "peers" you say.If you are a second class citizen, then your obligation is not to those first classers for you are not . not a peer legally.

[BR_Parkway]

6. An interesting argument for a defense attorney to make if his client

is gay as well, I would think

[dsc]

2. this would be a really horrible idea

think the Dan White case where a non gay jury let Milk's killer off with a slap on the wrist. Do we really want all juries to be that way?

[mitchtv]

4. I disagree, it/s the truth

I loved jury duty myself, but I worked for a company that paid me.(Helped cause a a hung jury, because I followed instructions)I don't think that excuse would work in SF however.Dan White trials are repeated around the country daily, BTW.
I see it as civil disobedience to refuse to participate.

[dsc]

7. If you use the words I can't be impartial

then it likely would work. I can't think if a faster road to appeal ville than that.

[DirkGently]

3. Seems like a fair position to take. With fewer privileges come fewer responsibilities.

[closeupready]

8. I think that this is an entirely fair response if the charges involve marital issues.

For example, a dispute over division of property between divorcing parties who are fighting. Frankly, I would raise that issue because due to my resentment, I don't think I would be willing to put myself in their shoes - how could I? And if there are other ways in which gay citizens' second-class status could thwart the need to be impartial, then you have a duty to be upfront about it.

If, however, the charges are about something not related - such as tax issues or labor unions or assault and battery - then it's not clear to me how that would have an impact on your ability to be impartial.

On edit, well, with tax issues, perhaps so, but that's less clear than charges relating to marital disputes.

And making one further edit, I don't believe in 'getting out of' jury duty; jury duty is not fun, but it is an empowering exercise that - looking at the big picture - is an important opportunity to have a real impact on your community. (And let's not forget, you get paid $$ for it - not much, but every bit helps, if money is tight.)

[BeeBee]

9. Interesting.

Recently I was called for jury duty and we got to the point where they were interviewing potential jurors in small groups (the case was about dealing marijuana - which is hard enough to seat a jury in this area). The prosecutor asked the group if they could impartially rule on a law that they didn't necessarily agree with... One juror in particular was very adamant that he could not because of laws like Prop h8 that treated him and his partner as second class citizens. He was very outspoken and some of the others in the jury pool were uncomfortable but most of us were in his corner.

[NoMoreUsernames]

10. Trying to reach post threshold so I can post a thread.

This is clever. I will definitely use this in the future.